Samuel Wells Lazenby- his murder and the manhunt

THE MURDER OF SAMUEL WELLS LAZENBY WESTERN AUSTRALIA TO WIT The examination of RICHARD WILLIAM VINCENT of ROBOURNE, Corporal of Police, taken on this first day of December in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy One at Roebourne in the colony aforesaid, before the undersigned one of her majesty’s justices of the peace for the said colony, in the presence and hearing of CHARCOAL, TOMMY and CHARLEY, Aboriginal natives who are charged this day before me that the said CHARCOAL, TOMMY and CHARLEY at an island 5 miles north of Beacon Creek near the Ashburton River on or about the fifth day of August last past in and one SAMUL LAZENBY feloniously and wilfully and of their malice aforethought did ____ and assault and ____ the said Samuel Lazenby did kill and murder. This deposition RICHARD WILLIAM VINCENT on his oath saith as follows -
I am a corporal of police in charge of the station of Roebourne. On the 16th of October 1871 I left Port Walcott on the chartered cutter ‘Edward James’ for the purpose of executing warrants for the apprehension of these prisoners now in court and of another native not at present in custody. On the 24th day of October I arrived at a spot on the coast about 5 miles west of the ____ River. On the previous night I had landed with George Foskill?, James Jackson, native assistant ‘Curly Wig’, Mr W S Hall, Mr G Wright and Mr John Payne. At a spot six miles west of that place, walking during the night to a native camp at which we arrived on the morning of the 24th. We surrounded the camp. There were a number of natives in the camp and among them the native JOHNNY for whose apprehension I have a warrant. Johnny escaped. I searched the native camp and found in it one blue serge shirt, part of a boat sail, a large spear of English oak, 16 feet long. I ____ the ____ my belief the spear had not been made more than a month the wood appearing to have been fresh cut. ____? Several articles iron product. I know that there were also belongings to the dingy of the ‘Venus’, 16 feet long. The Beige shirt is precisely similar to the one which was on Mr. Lazenby’s body. Th portion of the sail produced are of similar material to the sails which I had seen on board the dingy. The natives in the camp told us they belonged to a boat. On the th of October I was at a spot near the mouth of the Ashburton River. There was a native camp. I was accompanied by George Foskill, James Jackson, native assistant ‘Curly Wig’, Mr hall, ____ and Payne. We surrounded the camp and arrested prisoner CHARCOAL. I searched the camp and found therein two pieces of boat sail similar in material to that found at the former camp, and I believe part of the similar sail, a ____ knife, an American axe much worn. These articles I now produce. To my knowledge there were knives of a similar description on board the ‘Venus’ some ____ ____ ____. I asked CHARCOAL where the parts of the sail came from. He said ‘ it belonged to Sam’s boat’, meaning Mr Lazenby. On the 29th day of October myself and the same persons who had previously accompanied me went to a native camp 16 west of Cape Locker?. At day break we surrounded the camp-prisoner TOMMY was there with other natives but he escaped. On the following day he came within sight of the ‘Edward James’ and I went to shore and arrested him. On the morning of the 3rd of November I arrested prisoner CHARLEY about 25 miles up the ____ River. On the morning of the 4th November we sailed from the creek where the vessel was anchored and proceeded to the island at which the remains of Mr Lazenby were stated to have been found. At break of day as we neared the island the prisoners on seeing the island appeared very much frightened, particularly TOMMY AND CHARLEY. Shortly before we anchored CHARCOAL was crying. Shortly afterwards I landed with my party of police assistants. I took two prisoners CHARCOAL and TOMMY with me. After some ____ I discovered the remains of a white man, about 20 yards from the sea beach. It was lightly covered with sand, with the remains of a fire either side of the body- it was lying on its back, lying ____ ____ with the head eastward. The body was partly covered with a large yellow rug- it was partly on top of the body and partly underneath; the hands were together on the belly, one being half closed- ____the body- I found the head inclining a little to the right side, I found a large fracture extending from the back corner of the left eye to the top of the head, also a fracture extending from the right temple to the back part of the head. On examining the legs I found that the feet had been cut off. I found the right foot cut off below the ankle joint. It was lying by the side of the body close to the buttocks with the big toe missing. I found the left foot cut off at the ankles joint- the bones of the foot lying close to the end of this leg. I believe most of the bones of the foot if not all of them were there. I could not discover any other marks of violence. I found on the body-next to the skin- a high coloured striped cotton shirt, a pair of cotton cord trousers of a light colour and, over all, a blue serge shirt with a breast pocket in which were two boxes partly full of matches, a clay pipe with a ____ bowl. I also found close to the head a cap made of brown tweed with peak made of the same material. There was a small elastic cord on the cap answering to a chin strap. I produce the matches and pipe. The cap, yellow rug are at the police station. I have seen Mr Lazenby wear a cap of that description & I believe it to be the same one. I have seen Mr Lazenby with a blanket of the same colour and description. While we were examining the body prisoners CHARCOAL & TOMMY were close by. They hug their heads and would scarcely look at me when spoken to. I asked CHARCOAL whose body it was. He said ’It is Sam’s’ meaning Mr Lazenby. He also said I ____ know hot it came it there. I believe the remains to be those of Mr Lazenby. I recognised them by the colour of the hair- a portion of which I produce- by his losing the second front tooth of the right upper jaw. The body was very much decomposed. I placed the body in a coffin and removed it on board the vessel. I was present during the examination of the body at Roebourne on the 7th November. Mr W S Hall was present. The ____ ____ ____ several others. Mr Sholl received 17/63/2 697/162 I have to report for your information that my self and party left Port Walcott in the cutter ‘Edward James’ to the vicinity of the Ashburton River in search of the following natives viz COCKATEUR alias JOHNNY _____ alias CHARCOAL ____ alias TOMMY and CHARLEY. The three former for the murder of Samuel Lazenby on an island named ‘Bego’ off a creek named Beedon (Beadon) 8 miles north east of the mouth of the Ashburton River the island being N from Beedon, and CHARLEY for inducing the above named natives to commit the murder. MONDAY 16th October The cutter ‘Edward James’ left Butcher’s Inlet at 11.30am. Worked the vessel out of the creek wind NE at 2pm wind light at N working to windward. At 3pm wind very light at NNW worked the vessel inside ____ Island the wind there died away anchored for the night TUESDAY 17TH Wind at S very light triped anchor at 6am. Stood to the westward, at 10am wind change to NE very light, at 2pm at NNW very light. Stood towards the boat passage. Brought up in the mouth of the passage 7pm for the night. WEDNESDAY 18TH Wind at E waited for flood tide triped anchor at 10am went threw Boat Passage., at 11am. Wind NW passed Malus? Island, at 2.30pm wind light WNW wind freshened at 3pm. Passed Enderby Island at 4pm. Sighted Little Sandy Island at 6pm bearing w by s got off the mouth of the Maitland River at 6.30pm Wind in right ahead, a strong tide setting into the bite. Anchored at 8.30pm. Wind very light. THURSDAY 19th Wind SW triped anchor at 6am wind light vessel making very litte head way. Fell calm at 7am at 8am wind light at N Vessel standing SW sighted Cape Preston at noon, wind gradually veering to the westward, at 2pm wind stood at N stood on til 7pm and anchored off the east side of Cape Preston. The wind and tide against the vessel. FRIDAY 20th Triped anchor at 5am. Wind (697/163) SW very light stood out seaward wind gradually veering to W very light, vessel making very little head way, at 10am wind W making very little head way and tide against us. Anchored under a a small island for the night. SATURDAY 21st Triped anchor at 6am. Wind light at WSW the tide against us, at 10.30am veered round to NW very light, wind gradually freshened which gave us a good reach along shore, wind fell light at dusk anchored off the mouth of the Robe River. I saw native fires in the distance. SUNDAY 22nd Triped anchor at 4pm. Wind SSW I landed with the dingy and found some old men in the camp. They informed that a lot of natives was camped at the Cain River, stood on arrived off the Cain River at 6pm. I saw some native fires in the distance. I also saw natives in the distance. They were trying to conceal themselves from us in the mangroves I saw native fires during the night. MONDAY 23rd At 6pm I started George Faskett and James Jackson, in the dingy, to see wat natives their was on shore at the camp. I did not go to on shore myself as the natives I am in search of know me by sight and I could not go near them in day light, Faskett and Jackson are well known to the natives, they returned to the vessel at 11am and reported seeing a large native camp about 4 miles from the sea ____ and 6 from the vessel. Their was about 100 natives men and women in the camp, the natives was inclined to attack their, by jumping up and shipping their spears, they saw two of the natives I am in search of , JOHNNY & TOMMY, they are camped on the top of large sand hills. The two natives JOHNNY & TOMMY was very shy and timid. Faskett tried to induce them to come to the vessel, he could not do so, he could not get near them, the natives told Faskett that the cutter ‘Venus’ was in a creek 5 miles west of the Cain River. I proceeded their with the vessel, saw Mr Hall and Mr Knight and John Payne. I then arranged that Hall Knight and Payne at their wish should join my party and put themselves under my orders, to go to the natives camp at day break tomorrow morning to arrest the two natives. THURSDAY 24th My self and party 7 in all left the vessel at 12am and walked to the native camp. The party by my instructions divided into three lots and with grate difaculity go around the camp which was covering a space of 800 yards in length on top of very high sand hills, which was very difficult to get near to the natives without their seeing us. With an approved signal all the party went towards the camp at one time. Mr Hall & Mr Knight taking the left hand of the camp, George Faskett ad John Payne taking the right side and my self with the remained of the party taking the senter. And main part of the camp. Their was 21 men in the camp ad one of them was JOHNNY of whom I had a warrant for murder, he attempted to escape and was shot by native asst Curly Wig I believe in the back. He staggered and then he ran into the sea. While doing so several shots were fired at him. I believe none of them hit him except N.A. Curly, I was at the west hand of the camp then and the native JOHNNY was in the east hand. The camp was close to the sea, after he JOHNNY got into the water he floundered about a little and then swam out to sea. My self and N.A> Curly and others watched him for two hours. He then floundered in the water. I believe he was then drowning. My self and N.A. Curly went along the coast for some distance and concealed our selves at the same time watching the sea but could see no sign of the native JOHNNY. I kept watch for 3 hours. I felt sure that JOHNNY was dead. I then returned to the camp and the party, and then to the vessel. Arrived at 4pm. I brought all the native that I found in the camp to the (167/165) vessel to keep them from going and acquainting other natives of me and my party being their. I found in the native camp one blue serge shirt, a part of a boat’s sail, and a large spear made of English ash. It is 16 feet long. To my knowledge two of the oars belonging to the dingy that went to the island with Lazenby was 16 feet long they was ash. Mr Hall and Mr Knight found the dingy that went to the island on the main land drifted up the beach, all the stern was broken away. One of the oars was with the dingy, also two water brakers. I saw the dingy, they are repairing her, I collected a quantity of spears and brought them to the vessel. WEDNSEDAY 25th Triped anchor at 5am and stood to the westward, wind at S very light when out side wind changed to NW. I then stood in to Bedoon Creek and anchored. I landed with Faskett and went up the creek some distance but could see no tracks of natives. I then went 4 miles along the coast west, I saw smoke of native fires I then started to the vessel arrived their at dusk. The cutter ‘Venus’ also anchor in the creek. THURSDAY 26th. My self and party with Mr Hall & Mr Knight as volunteers left the vessel at midnight and proceeded along the coast west, towards the Ashburton River to search the coast for 12 miles their saw natives fires. All my party surrounded the camp and with an arrainged signal from myself at day brake all the party went into the camp together, and with grate difacoulty we got all the natives collected in one place. Mr Knight then recognised the native CHARCOAL when he attempted to escape. Mr Knight got hold of him and put a chain of his neck, with some difacoulty. I then searched the whole of the camp and found one American axe, one sheath knife and two parts of a boat’s sail. (697/166) to belong to the dingy that went to the island. My self and party then returned to the vessel. I took to the vessel all the natives that was in the camp to prevent them from going to other native camps to inform them that I and y party was here as they would do so in a very short time if I ad let them. FRIDAY 27th Triped anchor at 10am worked out of Bedoun Creek and stood away for an island off the mouth of the Ashburton River, arrived their at 5pm Landed all the natives. The cutter ‘Venus’ also came to the island. I landed two hogs heads of water and half a bag of flour for the native while I am away. There is plenty of turtle on the island. A native named McRae volunteered to go with me and show me the natives watering places west of the Ashburton River. SATURDAY 28th Triped anchor at 5am and stood away to Cape Locker wind light at ____ at 10am it freshened, at noon wind changed to NW rounded Cape Locker at 1pm then bore away for a small creek. Got the vessel into it with some difaculty. The ‘Venus’ also came in the creek. SUNDAY 29th My self and party with Mr Hall & Mr Knight left the vessel at midnight and proceeded along the coast west. We ad travelled 11 miles when I saw native fires. Their was a good number of them and scattered over the round very much. My self and party divided into two lots to surround the camp, the party could not doe so. As a number of the natives was sleeping with out fire, and they was disturbed before we could close round them, their was about 70 natives men and women in the camp. We succeeded with grate difficulty in getting the most of them together. The accused native TOMMY I am sorry to say escaped my self and N.A. Curly Wig started on his (697/167) Tracks, I followed them for 6 miles west and then tracked him back within one mile of the native camp and then along the marsh where I lost them. I then returned to the camp and started agane, south east, after some searching I found TOMMY tracks agane and followed them for 5 miles. I then caught sight of him on a rockey range of hills half a mile distant. I tried to follow him but could not do so the grounds was so rough. I returned to the camp got the remainders of my party and started for the vessel taking TOMMY’s two women. He would not leave the place and would remain and try and get them. MONDAY 30th My self and party on board the vessel intending to go to the native camp again to night to get TOMMY as I thought he would return their to sleep. At 4pm I saw some natives on shore I landed with ____ ____ ____ ____ some little trouble I arrested TOMMY and took him on board the vessel. Then chained him up . I then landed the women. One of the natives on shore informed me that the native that was shot and I ad supposed was ded is still living. He also told me that the bullet entered at the back of the left shoulder blade and came out of the top of the left brest. The cutter ‘Venus’ left here at 2pm. For the island. Which I ad left the natives on to land them more water and flour. TUESDAY 31st I could not leave the creek with the vessel last night’s tide as the wind was blowing right into the creek, the passage being to narrow to work the vessel out in the dark. Triped anchor at 1pm SW stood out of the creek and got off Cape Locker at 2.30pm then hove away for the island with the natives on. Arrived their at 6pm found the natives all right. (697/168) WEDNESDAY 1st NOVEMBER Got all the natives on board at 6am. Then got underway for the main land. Wind at W stood away for a creek 5 miles east of Bedoon Creek arrived their at 3pm. The cutter ‘Venus’ sailed for Port Walcott. I landed all the natives at 4pm. My self and party landed and went up the west side of the creek to try and find the native JOHNNY. I went in land for 6 miles I then divided my party in two lots, my self and Jackson in one party and N.A. Curly wig and Faskett in the other. Bothe partys went in land for 10 miles then struck across country west. Faskett and N.A. Curly started to the vessel at 10pm. My self and Jackson returned at midnight all ____ ____ ____ up for want of water neither party being able to see JOHNNY or any native camps. THURSDAY 2nd My self and party left the vessel at 11pm. Taking Native McRae as guide he told me some natives was camped some distance in land. I proceded til midnight. FRIDAY 3rd Then came to some native camp with two men in their and some women. The native CHARLY was in the camp. I their arrested him, he being an accessory to the murder of Samuel Lazenby. When putting the chain on his neck he struggled very much to make his escape. He nocked N.A. Curly to the ground. I ad to throw him on the ground to secure him. I then at some table? To do so he then with some ____ came along quietly. I also secured the other native as he would go and acquaint others. I then went to another water hole more in land, could see know signs of natives. It was their near day light ____ on backing ground. Me I saw that I was close to the Cain River, about 20 miles from the coast and 28 from the vessel. The native McRae was of good service to me in showing me the water holes and some (697/169) of the native camps for so doing I gave him a shirt on Govt Acct. On the 2nd November as he williingly informed any thing I asked of him I considered he deserved it. He ran away from me this morning. I did not see him go I believe he was afraid. At day brake I found fresh native tracks and followed them down the river for seven miles then tracked them out on the plain for 3 miles I then saw some natives in the distance my self and N.A. Curly crept on our hands and knees for half a mile. The natives their saw us we where with in 500 yards of them their. They started to run we then gave chase after them. I followed them for a mile until I lost sight of them in a thick ____ their was three men one of them was JOHNNY that I was after. I thought it was useless to try and follow them any further as I found JOHNNY’s tracks at several deserted camps. He did not sleep two nights in one place, always travelling about which I ____ he as done since he was fired at and shot in the first camp I saw him. The place where the natives was camped was on clear ground so That I could not conseal my self to get any closer to them. The natives was on the point of moving this camp when I saw them first. They appeared to be on the watch at day light as they where on the look out when I saw them first. Jackson was following with the two natives I had arrested. I was returning towards him when I saw Jackson and the native prisoner CHARLY struggling. He shortly after sung out for assistance. Faskett was between me and Jackson, he ran to his assistance. I also ran to him. At thee time the native CHARLY was struggling with Jackson. A lot of native women was getting around him with sticks and other wepons when Faskett got close to him the women ran away. The native CHARLY tried to get to Jackson’s revolver from him. The native had good (697/170) hold of it and prevented Jackson from using it. Jackson drew his knife in self defence and cut the native CHARLY in three places neither of the wounds was deep. One cut on the left arm, and on the left side under the arm and one on the left side of the stomach, he did not bleed much, it stopped in a few minutes. Jacksons clothes was torn very much. The revolver went off in the struggle. CHARLY is a stronger man than Jackson, if Faskett or my self ad not been near to render assistance I believe he would have been very much injured if not killed. I tore my shirt in strips to bind the wounds up with I had no thing else to do it with. I then started for the vessel, my self and party arrived their at 6pm. I was very tired my self the remainder off the party was quite nocked up. They reached the vessel with difacoulty arrived on board the vessel I dressed the wound on CHARLY. SATURDAY 4th Triped anchor at 2.30am stood out of the creek and bore away for Bego Island at 6am the Master anchored the vessel one mile from the island I requested the Master to ____ her closer in which he did. I then landed with my partner taking prisoners TOMMY and CHARCOLE with meI also took on shore the coffin for the remains of S Lazenby. I asked them where they slept when they was here with Lazenby some time back. They pointed out a place close to sea beach. I looked about and saw tracks going ____ a sand bank I followed them about 22 yards from the sea beach I came to where Lazenbys remains was lying covered with sand. I asked the prisoners who was lying their. They sade they did not know. I saw the ashes of three fires (697/171) one on each side of the body and one at t the feet. The body was lying east and west. The head eastward. I cleaned the and off the body- I found it lying on its back with a large yellow bush rug partly on top and partly under the body the head inclining to the right side. The both hands was together on the stomach. On examining the head I found a large fracture extending from the back corner of the left eye to the curve of the head. Also a large fracture extending from the right temple to the back part of the head. I believe both fractures was done with some sharp instrument, I believe it to be done with an axe. Their was very little hair on the head. I believe their was not any other wounds inflicted n the body. On examining the legs I found that bothe feet was cut off. The right foot cut off below the ankle joint which was lying at the side of the body close to the buttocks with the big toe missing. The left foot was cut off at the ankle joint I believe ____ of the ____ was their close to the ____ of the legg. I could see know other wounds or marks of violence on the body. I found on the body a pair of cotton cord trousers a lite? ____ cotton stripe shirt next to the body, and blue serge shirts out side. I found in the brest pocket of the serge shirt two boxes of matches and a clay pipe. I also found at the head a small brown tweed cap with a peak to it and a elastic cord for the chin. I recognise the cap as belonging to Lazenby. I also recognise the body to be that of Samuel Lazenby by the culler of his hair and the loss of the second front tooth of the right upper jaw. I then plased the remains in the coffin and the blanket and cap then screwed the offin down. The body was very much (697/172) decomposed, it was with grate difacoulty that I succeeded in plasing the remainsin the coffin as I found them. My self and party then removed the coffin to the beach. I then asked the prisoners where the remains of Joe Murray was. They bothe said he was drowned when the dingy upset going from this island to the main land. My self and party searched about the island in all the likely spots for the remains of Joe Murray. I also went round the island but could find know signes of him. I gave up the search as hopeless. I deemed it advisable not to detain the vessel longer as she was under a heavy charter and the chance of getting the native JOHNNY all most hopeless as their ad been to my knowledge some heavy rain along the coast and inland, so that natives can camp on the clear ground and plains and can see any one a long way off. The can and doe move their camps daily when there is so much water about and JOHNNY I am sure is on the alert and looking out for any person going near the place where he is camped. I had Lazenby's remains put on board the vessel and then started for Port Walcott. Wind at W at 4pm passed the three mandgrove islands at 6pm. Their ran down under the lee of a sand bank and anchored for the night. SUNDAY 5th Triped anchor at 5am wind at S light. Stood on our course running down in side the islands, sighted Cape Preston at 3pm wind fresh at W arrived off the cape at 6pm. Stood round the east side of it and anchored for the night. MONDAY 6th Triped anchor at 4.30am wind fresh at S stood down in side the islands wind changed to W at noon. Entered Flying Foam Passage at 12.30pm passed threw (697/173) it and stood on for Port Walcott arrived their and worked the vessel into Butchers Inlet dropped anchor at 5pm. I instantly dispatched N.A. Curly to won with a note to P.C. Wanbrough directing him to send me a hore to the upper landing tomorrow morning also the Government cart to convey the remains of S Lazenby to town. SUNDAY 7th I left the vessel in a boat lent to me by Henry Bert? At 6am with the three native prisoners. The native boy Jimmy as a witness and the remains of Lazenby arrived at the upper landing at 7.30am landed the prisoners and sent the boat back to the landing, my horse arrived at 9am and the cart at 9.30am. I pleased the remains of Lazenby in the cart. Also all my other equipment and started it to town. I also started with the prisoners & arrived at the station at noon. I plased the prisoners in the lock up and secured them with chains. The remains of Lazenby arrived in town at 12.30pm. I informed the Government Resident of my arrival with the native prisoners, and with the remains of Samuel Lazenby. I beg to state the trip throughout from the time of my self and party landing near the Cain River to the time I left the coast to Port Walcott and gave up the search, was very trying and tedious. I had to do most all the work at night, as I could not possibly of got three natives if I had attempted to go near the camps by day. R W Vincent Corpl In Charge of Party Roebourne 8-11-71

To M S Smith ESQ Superintendent (697/199) Roebourne Police Station 13th November 1871 Sir, I beg to report for your information that my self and party four in all left Butchers Inlet on the 16th day of October 1871 in the contract vessel ‘Edward James’ to proceed to the vicinity of the Ashburton River to arrest the following natives COKATEUR alias JOHNNY, MALLAUDARIGDLI alias CHARCOAL, MULLANACT alias TOMMY for the murder of SAMUEL LAZENBY ON AN ISLAND NEAR Bedun. And a native named CHARLY for inducing the above named natives to commit the murders. MONDAY 16th OCTOBER The cutter ‘Edward James’ left Butchers Inlett at 11.30am worked the vessel out of the inlett Wind N E at 2pm wind light at N worked to windward. At 3pm wind very light at NNW worked the vessel in side Balfute? Island the wind again died away. Anchored then. TUESDAY 17th Wind S very light trip anchors at 6am stood to the westward. At 10am wind changed to NE very light, at 2pm wind NNW very light stood toward Boats Passage. Brought up in the mouth of the passage at 7pm. WEDNESDAY 18th Wind at E. Waited for flood tide, triped anchor at 11am. Went threw Boat Passage at 11am wind NW. Passed Skalus? Island at 2.30pm. Wind light at WNW wind finished at 3pm. Passed Enderby Island at 4.15pm. Sighted Little Sandy Island at 6pm. Wind W right a head, a strong tide sitting into the bite anchored at 8.30pm wind very light. THURSDAY 19th Wind SW triped anchors at 6am. Wind light vessel making very little head way. Ell calm at 7am at 8am wind light at N vessel standing SW sighted Cape Preston at noon, wind gradually moving to the westward, at 2pm wind W stood on til 7pm and anchored on the east side of Cape Preston. The wind and tide against the vessel. Friday 20th Triped anchors a 5am wind SW very light. Stood out seaward. Wind gradually to W vessel making very little head way wind and tide against us. Anchored under a small island at 8pm. SATURDAY 21st Triped anchor at 6am at WSW the tide against us. At 10.30am wind veared to NW very light. Wind gradually freshened which gave us a good reach along shore, wind wind fell light at dusk. Anchored off the mouth of the Robe River. I saw native fires in the distance. MONDAY 23rd I sent Faskett and Jackson on shore with the dingy to see wat natives their was in the camp. They returned at 11am. The nativs told (169/200) Faskett that the cutter ‘Venus’ was in a creek 5 miles west of the Cain River. I proceeded their with the vessel arrived at 3pm. TUESDAY 24thth Left the vessel at 12.30am with my party proceded to a natives camp to arrest natives. I was unsuccessful. Returned to the vessel at 4pm. One of the natives that I was after JOHNNY was shot. He ran into the sea I believed he died then. WEDNESDAY 25th Triped anchor at 5am. Wind at S. Stood to the westward when out side wind changed to NW. I then stood in to Bedun Creek. And anchored at 2pm. My self and Faskett landed walked up the creek for 3 miles and thus along the coast west, saw natives fires then returned to the vessel arrived at dark. THURSDAY 26th My self and party left the vessel at midnight followed the coast for 12 miles their saw native firs, went into the camp at daylight and arrested a native named CHARCOAL for murder. I then started for the vessel, bringing with me all the natives that was in the camp to prevent them from going and informing other natives that my self and party was their. Arrived at the vessel at noon. FRIDAY 27th Waiting for the tide, triped anchor at 10am. Worked out of the creek then stood away for an island off the mouth of the Ashburton River wind NW arrived their at 5pm. I landed all other natives I left them plenty of flour and water. There is abundance of turtle on the island. SATURDAY 28th Triped anchor at 5am and stood away for cape Locker wind light at E. At 11am it freshened at noon wind changed to NW vessel rounded Cape Locker at 1pm. Thus ____ away for a small creek. Got the vessel into it with some difaculty and anchored. SUNDAY 29th My self and party left the vessel at midnight and proceeded along the coast west for 10 miles. I saw native fires, went into the camp at daybreak. One of the natives that I wanted for murder was their, but he escaped. As the native camp was so much scattered that my party could not get round it, my self and N.A. Curly followed his tracks for about 11 miles. I saw the native TOMMY on a rocky range of hills. I tried to follow him but could not do so as the country was so very rough. I ten returned to the remainder of my party. Their started for the vessel arrived their at 6pm. I brought TOMMY’s two women to the vessel believing that he would not leave the place with out them. MONDAY 30th My self and party on board the vessel intending to return to the same camp and get TOMMY tonight. At 4pm I saw some natives on shore. I landed with a bush native and with some little trouble (697/201) I arrested TOMMY and took him on board the vessel. II was told by the natives on shore that the native JOHNNY that was shot is not dead. The bullet went in at the back of the left shoulder blade, and came out on the top of the left brest. TUESDAY 31st I could not leave with the vessel with last nights tide as the wind was blowing right into the creek. The passage being to narrow to work the vessel then have away for the island with the natives on. Arrived their at 6pm. Found the natives all right. WEDNESDAY 1st NOVEMBER Got all the natives on board at Am the got underway for the main land wind at W stood away for a creek 5 miles east of Bedun. Arrived their at 3pm. I landed all the natives at 4pm. My self and party landed and was away in search of natives until midnight then returned to the vessel. THURSDAY 2nd My self and party started again in search of natives. I returned to the vessel at 6pm on the 3rd instant. Having arrested native CHARLY I saw JOHNNY at a camp 25 miles in land but I could not get him. SATURDAY 4th Triped anchor at .30am. Stood out of the creek and stood away for Bego Island. Arrived their at 6am. The master anchored the vessel one mile from the island. I requested him to move her closer in which he did. I landed with my party. I found the remains of Samuel Lazenby. Took them up and placed them in a coffin. After I had examined the body for any wounds or marks of violence that might be visible. I then with my party searched in all the likely spots on the island for the remains of the native Joe Murray but could not find them, I then removed Lazenby’s remains to the vessel. I deemed it advisable not to detain the vessel longer, as she was under a heavy contract, and the chance of getting the native JOHNNY all most hopeless. Without a long detention. As their as been rain bothe on the coast and inland and the natives camp any where about the country. The native JOHNNY is on the alert now of any person coming near where he is camped I thus started for Port Walcott wind W at 4pm. Passed the three mandgroves islands at 6pm. Then ran under the lee of a sand bank and anchored for the night. SUNDAY 5th Triped anchor at 5am. Wind light at S stood on our course running down in side the islands. Sighted Cape Preston at 3pm. Wind fresh at West. Arrived off the camp at 6pm (697/202) stood round it to the east side and anchored. MONDAY 6th Triped anchor at 4.30am. Wind fresh at E. Stood down in side the islands wind changed W at noon entered Flying Foam Passage at 12.30am passed threw it and stood on for Port Walcott at Jarman Island at 4pm. Worked the vessel into Butcher’s Inlett and anchored at 5pm. I their dispatched N.A. Curly to town with instructions to P.C. Wansbrough to send me a horse tomorrow morning to the upper landing. TUESDAY 7th I left the vessel at 6am for the upper landing arrived their at 7.30am. My horse arrived also the Government cart. I placed Lazenby’s remains in the cart and started it to town. I arrived in town my self with the provisions at noon. I wish to state that the two men George Faskett and James Jackson police assistants that I ad with me, truly and faithfully performed all the duties that I at different times intrusted to them or directed them to doe, and I at all times found them willing to do all and everything in their powers to facilitate the expedition. TO R J Sholl Esq Govt Resident I am Sir Your Obedient Servant R W Vincent In charge of party 697/203 1/1137 Government Residents Office Roebourne 9th December 1871 Sir, The sailing of the ‘____’ having been delayed I have forwarded a copy of Mr Hall’s deposition which I now have the honour to forward. I have the Honour to be Sir Your Obedient Servant Robert Sholl Govt Resident T H T C S P

697/204 DEPOSITION OF W.S. HALL The deponent William S Hall on his oath as follows- I am engaged in the Pearl Shell Fishery. I desire to leave Port Walcott as soon as possible & therefore wish to make my statement at once. Any delay would cause me much personal inconvenience & pecuniary loss. I have also some native servants waiting for me on an island with a limited supply of water. I am the brother-in-law of the deceased Mr Samuel Lazenby. I was present yesterday at the examination of some human remains supposed to be those of Mr Samuel Lazenby. The examination was at Roebourne. Corporal Vincent & others were present at the examination. I am confident the remains were those of my brother-in-law. I am certain the colour of the hair, the development of the forehead, & the loss of the second front tooth on the right upper jaw; the two front teeth of the upper jaw were peculiar, ____ lower ____ approximated, & they were slightly decayed at the upper part. I had noticed this peculiarity during deceased’s lifetime. The losses of the bridge of ____ presented the same appearance as I had noticed in my brother-in-law. I also recognized a likeness between the remains of one of the feet of the corpse & that of my brother-in-law, who had a small well formed foot. The ____ was of the same colour as Mr Lazenby’s. The outer blue shirt upon the corpse I recognise. It was the one of the kind on board the ‘Venus’ and ____ ____ belonged to Mr Lazenby. It was one of two I had from Padbury & Co. I sold the other to Mr ____. The under shirt is of the same pattern & material as we had among the stores on board the ‘Venus’. The cotton-cord trowsers are like a pair that belonged to Mr Lazenby. They were the only pair in the boat of the sort. The blanket is what is generally called a ____ ____. It is similar in size texture & colour to one the deceased purchased from me. It was procured from Padbury & Co. I recognize the cap by the colour pattern & make as one that Mr Lazenby had. There was no other cap of a similar description on board the craft. I noticed two large wounds in the skull of the corpse one on the right & one on the left side. The two feet appeared to have been cut off, the one foot was perfect except that the big toe was missing. This was the right foot. I also think that the greater portion of the bones of the left foot were there. The wounds of the skull I think were inflicted by an American axe, or some such weapon. I was present at the capture of prisoner CHARCOAL. He said that the dingy had been upset & that Mr Lazenby & the native Joe Murray were drowned. I have seen prisoner TOMMY before. (signed) W S Hall Taken on Oath Before me at Roebourne This 8th DEC 1871 (signed) R J Sholl J P 697/178 4/11977 Acknowledged 02.10.71
1/1090 GOVERNMENT RESIDENTS OFFICE ROEBOURNE 1st September 1871
 Sir, I am sorry to have to forward the accompanying report from P.C. Wansbrough, who returned last evening from visiting the western stations. From the report it would appear that Mr S Lazenby of the cutter ‘Venus’ was drowned, somewhere about the 7th Inst, at a place called Bedin situated about 15 miles to the eastwards of the Ashburton River. It seems that Lazenby & some natives went to an island about 6 miles from Beedin to catch turtles, & that, after the expiration of 5 or 6 days, and one of the natives (JOHNNY belonging to the Ashburton) returned to the ‘Venus’ & reported to Roberton, who was in charge, that after leaving the island, the dingy was upset, when Mr Lazenby & ‘Joe Murray’, a native of this place, were drowned. Apparently all the natives left Roberton, who was alone in the vessel & could not leave Beedin, until the arrival of Mr ____ boat, the ‘Fortescue’, enabled him to obtain additional assistance.. He then brought the ‘Venus’ to the Fortescue River, where the(sic) was when Wansbrough left on the 28th Inst. She was then ____, but the spring tides on the 30th would ____ of her leaving for Port Walcott. The information at hand is very scanty & imperfect, but I feel that there can be no doubt of the death of Mr Lazenby; how he died may be matter for enquiry. As soon as the ‘Venus’ arrived – now daily expected – I will take down Roberton’s statement & act accordingly. By the ‘Azelia’ (697/179) I will communicate the result of further enquiry. ____ only believe that Mr Lazenby is dead, but I did believe he was drowned. Although the Upper Ashburton natives bear a bad name the coast natives have ever been found docile, & to a limited extent, trustworthy. The description of the natives after the accident does not necessarily imply guilt, for they were the servants of Mr Lazenby, & upon the death of their employer would hesitate to appear before a stranger. Moreover I have been informed that one of the surviving natives had been seen by our native guides ‘JOHNNY’ who describes him as having been much cut by the rocks when he came to land after his swim of several miles. My present intention is, upon the arrivel of the ‘Venus’, to send a policeman aboard with Mr Hall ( the brother-in-law of Mr Lazenby & who has also an interest in the vessel) who will proceed to the spot, make the necessary investigation, &, if necessary, bring the surviving natives to Roebourne for examination. The 'Venus’ is hourly expected at Port Walcott.
 I have the Honour to be Sir,
Your Obedient Servant
 Robert Sholl
Govt Resident