Josephus Henry Barsden

At this time in world history, George Washington had retired to his Virginian family estate named Mount Vernon, Napoleon Bonaparte has consolidated his control of Egypt and is returning to Paris to take control of the French Government in a coup. 

British Army General, Lord Charles Cornwallis, having lost to Washington in the American War of Independence, had gone on to be appointed as Governor General and Commander in Chief of India where he made reforms to the British East India Company. Now by 1799 he was Lord Lieutenant and Commander in Chief of Ireland where he was instrumental in the Act of Union by the Parliament of Ireland which helped form the creation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. 

The British Prime Minister was William Pitt the Younger and the expanded empire was ruled over by King George III.

Convict transportation to the colonies had occurred to America from 1610 until the American Revolution in 1776 but resumed on a large scale in 1787 with the First Fleet to New South Wales which arrived in Sydney Cove in 1788. 

John Hunter was the Governor of New South Wales in 1799 and the wool pioneer, John Macarthur was planning to expand his farming interests in the colony and was acquiring sheep from Spain which would help him to develop high grade Merino wool and become the largest sheep farmer in the colony.

The White House was built in Washington during the same years as the Government House in Parramatta.

1799 - Also on board "Speedy" was the new Governor for New South Wales, Philip Gidley King and his wife Anna who took care of the baby when his mother died. Reared in the shadows of Government House by Mrs King, Josephus' autobiography tells of the tumultuous early days in the colony and his later adventures on Pacific voyages. 

1801 – The Blackman family arrives and is supported by Governor King. The Governor sent his own boat to bring the family ashore. There are connections to the Blackman Family when Barsden marries Mary Ann Blackman. (Do kids go to same school? King provides a house to the Blackman Family – is this next to Barsdens House? Barsden spends inordinate amount of time with Anna King who educates him with her own children.) 

1804 - Governor King provided a house adjacent to Government House for the young JH Barsden who was educated by Mrs King. From the Barsden diary - The boy was provided a nurse and "Governor King gave me a house, and an acre of land, adjoining the Government domain and overlooked by Government House, it was given in this situation for the purpose of being near the Governor's Family"

At the age of five, his education starts with William Pascoe Crook, a missionary, schoolmaster and Congregational pastor, who was engaged by Samuel Marsden to open a school in the church at Parramatta, which at the end of 1804 became the first boarding school in Australia. 

1806 - When the banks of the Hawkesbury was visited with another destructive flood which was much higher than any former one, commiting dreadfull devestation all around, sweeping houses, stock, pigs, sheep and every thing else before it, which ruined many industrious settlers (including the Blackman Family) and brought great distress and starvation on the Colony at large.

This year 1806 His Excellency was pleased to give William Abbott, a grant for the House and Garden in Parramatta, a grant for one hundred acres of Land, at Banks Town, on the Cabbramatta Creek; also 2 cows, 1 filley, and 25 Ewes, and one Ram, from the Government herds, in Trust for me, untill I arrived of age - so far, my kind Benefactor provided for my after years.

From the Barsden diary - "My heart warms with gratitude whenever I think of the kindness of those dear Friends, Governor, and Mrs. King, I love them, with a Sons love, their memory is ever dear to me, may that Being who raised them up as instruments in my behalf ever keep their offspring under his immediate care; may he inrich them with earthly Wealth, and long life, and heavenly Grace - is the Sincere prayer of their Portegee. I am not the only orphan who sends his prayers to the Throne of Grace and Mercy for their Family - many hundreds who has been spared to the world, and brought to a knowledge of saving faith, through Governor, and Mrs. Kings instrumentallity will join me in morning and evening sacrifices for their eternal welfare, and even the Casual observers, who look at our excellent orphan Institutions, will ask a blessing to be showered down on the heads of their Venerable Founders, and I am quite sure that every Philanthropist, will ejaculate "May the Founders of those Benevolent Institution Children never want a kind Benefactor".

1813 - (There are connections to the Blackman Family when Barsden marries Mary Ann Blackman in 1821). Prior to 1821, there are references to the education of the Blackman family children and connections throughout J.H. Barsden's life with William Pascoe Crook and Samuel Marsden. 

Crook and Marsden were involved with the London Missionary Society and helped develop missions in New Zealand and the Society Islands including Tahiti and Bora Bora. Marsden acquired the ship "Active" and at age 13 Barsden departs Sydney onboard "Active" for a whaling expedition to Tasmania.

From the Barsden diary - "The vessell left Port Jackson in the month of May 1813, on a Black Whale expidetion at the S.E. side of van Demons land. We arrived at Hobart Town, in the latter end of the month were I got introduced to Mr. William Patterson the Waffarger(?) and Mrs. Abbots Father who had emograted to that place with Capt Collins the founder of the Southern Colony.

Our Brig did not lay long in the Derwent River but we put out for the purpose of procuring fish in Frederick Henry Bay, Oyster Bay and other inlets the resort of the Whale in the sporning season."

It was a successful voyage and collected 80 tonnes of whale oil to sell in Sydney. 

Barsden set to sea again and "joined the Brig Trial, on a speculating voyage to the Islands in Basses Straights and van de mans land."

"We sailed from Port Jackson on the 28th of October and encountered a dreadfull gale that night which continued for three days Blowing from the South East, and drove us into Botany Bay where we lay eight days under repairs though damage done our vessell in the gale. We at last got underway and with a N.E. breeze we coasted along hugging the Eastern Shores of New South Wales close on board, which afforded us an opportunity of noticing the Beutifull Country on our Starboard side, which is truly picturesque and delightfully deversified with hill and dale - this fine weather continued until we got to Basses Straits when we encountered an other dreadfull hurricane at West which made dry timber creak in our old Bark and caused us to take shelter in Kents bay near Cape Barren in Bankes Straits."

"There is also an other Strange Bird called a Penguin an amphibious creature which will live days under water at a time I have seen as many as five hundred of those birds on a white sandy beach in one flock they stand near six feet high and all in ranks like a regiment of soldiers, and cut a curious appearance on the beach particularly to the eye of a stranger. It is covered with short Feathers Black on the back some times with Red and yellow on the Belly, they have short wings with which they cannot fly, they are bad walkers, but very expert at swiming or diving, they seldom go out far to sea, and laybut one egg at a time which is streaked white and purple, is larger than an emu's egg and very rank eating."

After sailing around Tasmania and visiting Launceston and Hobart Town, the ship returned to Sydney Cove on the 4th day of May.

"I visited my friends at Parramatta who received me very cordially and I remained with them a few weeks; they endeavoured to dissuade me from a seafaring life, but I grew full of nautical notions, and nothing but the sea, and distant countries ran in my mind. I was full of hopes of one day attaining a considerable fortune and returning home rich and happy. Had I have been wise, I would have stayed on shore, and learnt a Trade many times since have I regretted the unwise and headstrong folly of my youth, but rarely do we meet with wisdom in the young."

"Being determined on going to sea again, I left my Parramatta associates and friends and engaged myself on board the Endeavour Schooner, on a voyage to the eastern Isles in the South Seas."

Source - Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales  Joseph Henry Barsden - volume containing autobiographical account of events 1799-1816, compiled ca. 1836, diary Aug.-Nov. 1836, and financial accounts of the Kelso Inn, 1835-1836; together with transcriptions by Alan L. Brown, ca. 197- MLMSS 7279

1814 – June – Departs Sydney on Schooner Endeavour for Bay of Islands and Society Islands.

Arriving at the Bay of Islands in New Zealand - "We got safe into the Bay of Islands the next day about four o'clock in the Evening. On our heaving in sight we was boarded by the Missionarys who were stationed at this place. They very kindly piloted us into to a snug sheltered inlet under the Village of Rongehu and in sight of their station."

"I got permission to go on shore with one of the Missionary's. A Mr. William Hall, a gentleman I had known at the Reverend Samuel Marsdens at Parramatta where his Family and himself remained prior to his being stationed at this place."

"I received the greatest of hospitallity from all the Brethren, and who gave me excellent advice for my future guidance through life, but which I am sorry to add was to be, like the morning dew before the sun, it escaped my memory before long."

"At last the wind sprang up from the S.E. and we bore off for the Island of Maydaland the southernmost of the Marquesas Islands which we made on the 28th day of August."

"We lay in this place six weeks, dureing which time we procured from the natives, by bartering, Muskets, Whales teeth, and Ironmongery, with them in exchange, seventy five Tons of Sandlewood, which was worth £7000 sterling in the China market."

Tahiti - We saw the Island of Mater, the eastern most of the Georgian Group, on the 16th and the beautiful Island of Tahiti was full in view on the Morning of the 17th we being about eight leagues to the N.E. of it. This Island is very high, the top of the mountains are seen far above the clouds, indeed so much has been said of this Eden, by Cook, Walace, Vancover, and Ellis, that it leaves me nothing to say of it.

1814 - "We left Sydney on the 7th of June, and bore up for New Zealand. I went to bed as usual on the Night of the 12th and I awoke at the hour of twelve by our timepeice, and found a very heavy pressure on my Breast as though I was Hagriden but I was perfectly awake. I cast my eyes on the Cabin Deck and I saw the appearence of an old acquaintance, whom I immediately recognized to be Mrs. May, of Parramatta, on seeing which I grew alarmed and called out so loud that it awoke the Captain of the vessell, whos cabin Joined that in which I slept, who got up and asked me what was the matter. I told him what I had seen, but he made a laugh of it telling me that it was only the stagnation of my blood, and left me. I slept but little that night, and the strange appearance made a serious impression on my mind all the time I was away from Parramatta and on my return in years after I made inquiry for Mrs. May who I found by her son, had died about the hour of twelve o'clock on the Night of the 12th of June 1814."

"I am no beleiver in Ghosts, or the hauntings of Spirits of departed persons, nor do I beleive that such doctrines are taught by any professors of Christianity in these enlightened times, what ever might have been told in days of yore - but to me this was, and still is, an extraordary Mystery which perhaps will never be unravelled on this side the Grave."

"We got safe into the Bay of Islands the next day about four o'clock in the Evening. On our heaving in sight we was boarded by the Missionarys who were stationed at this place. They very kindly piloted us into to a snug sheltered inlet under the Village of Rongehu and in sight of their station."

Marquesas Islands - "The entrance into this Bay, or Port, is very narrow, and very difficult to get out of, the winds commonly blowing into the Bay, and the entrance being so narrow, that it will not allow of a vessells beating out. We lay in this place six weeks, dureing which time we procured from the natives, by bartering, Muskets, Whales teeth, and Ironmongery, with them in exchange for seventy five Tons of Sandlewood, which was worth £7000 sterling in the China market." 

"We found the natives to be very kind, and honest in their dealings with us, but we always kept a good lookout and kept the vessell always clear of Idlers, a practice all vessels should attend to, at any of the Idolatrous Islands in the South Seas. The natives of all this group of Islands are canables, and will in times of scarceity kill and eat their own freinds, and I have known them to eat their own relatives in war."

Tahiti - "On the 16th the beautiful Island of Tahiti was full in view on the Morning of the 17th we being about eight leagues to the N.E. of it. This Island is very high, the top of the mountains are seen far above the clouds, indeed so much has been said of this Eden, by Cook, Walace, Vancover, and Ellis, that it leaves me nothing to say of it. I shall therefore refer my readers to the able writing of the Latter author (Ellis) for a full description of the Island and I shall confine myself to particular events that happened me in this group of Islands during my stay amongst them."

Source - Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales  Joseph Henry Barsden - volume containing autobiographical account of events 1799-1816, compiled ca. 1836, diary Aug.-Nov. 1836, and financial accounts of the Kelso Inn, 1835-1836; together with transcriptions by Alan L. Brown, ca. 197- MLMSS 7279

Our hero arrives at Emeo Island - he falls in love with the Chief's daughter, Mananna - Pihe advises him to leave the ship and try to win her hand - Pihe and Cox help him leave the ship - he hides in the mountains for 3 days - welcomed by the Chief.

It is customary in those islands, for the Natives to choose a particular Individual, as a Friend, to whom they make presents, and indeed well supply with fruit all the time he stays in the Harbour, for which a small present of a few triffles, in return is a sufficient acknowledgement.  I had one of those who attended me on all occations, and who made it his study to please me in every particular - his Name was "Pihe" a man of family, and could speak very good English, having been once at Port Jackson when a youth.  

I was introduced by him, to Omowmow, the Chief of Afareaitu, and by the latter, to his Daughter, Mananna, a Girl of fifteen, we had not been long in each others company before I felt, how, I cannot describe, - to be brief, I was in love,! but how to attain the object of my early affections, was almost an insermountable difficulty in my way, I despaired of ever accomplishing - I felt as, I suppose all feel who are in love.  

I very much disliked the Master of the Schooner, for he was any thing but kind to me - I one day opened my mind to my Friend "Pihe" who said I had better leave the Schooner and he would secret me in the mountains until the vessel left the Islands, but he said he could do nothing in the love business, as Mananna, was a Cheif's Daughter, and the Laws forbid him, to be seen interfering in any such matter, he being only a "Malebole" or yeoman - but he said if I had been the son of a landholder, and had sufficient address I might make proposals without any risk; This advice I considered excellent and particularly from an uneducated Indian, and gave me great encouragement to sue my "Fair one" whom I now loved to distraction.

There was a person on board, whose name was Cox, the armourer, who had been long a resident on these Islands, and was well acquainted with the Chiefs. Him I let into the Secret, and he served me very much, for one day we were on shore together, when eight or ten of the Chiefs came to the Beach and entered freely into conversation with Cox who stated to them, that I was the owner of a considerable property in New South Wales, and that I had come on purpose from my own country to visit theirs for my pleasure, and to gain correct information of their Country, manners, and customs, and that the Master of the vessel had used me very ill, by placing me with the common seamen in the vessell. 

This discourse had such an effect on them that Omowmow came up to me and pressed close to him and said what a bad guardian the Master had been and what would my freinds do with him when I got home again. Cox, replied that it would not be safe for me to go back in the vessel with him - but that he had advised me to remain some time on this Island with them and take the first conveyance home - they said they thought it would be very advisable.

Thus far encouraged I made up my mind to leave the Schooner that night and communicated my desires to Pihe, who came along side in a small canoe at the hour of 11 o'clock, at Night my watch being on deck from ten to twelve, which afforded me an excellent oppertunity to get my Box, and Bed into the canoe. Previous to my elopement, I called up Cox (for fear of the Natives taking advantage of my leaving the Schooner unguarded) who kept the remainder of my watch on deck and allowing the Canoe sufficient time to get well off where he gave the alarm of my absence - Pihe, and myself paddled at a great rate for six mile between the reef and the main land and at day light we had got quite out of sight and went on shore at "A-ti-ma-ha", gathered some ripe Plantains, and other fruit and proceeded to Mootea, were we left our Canoe and walked to Haume, a village, and district to the north of Afariaitu. Here we alted untill night when Pihe, unknown to any of the other natives took me up into a very high Mountain, where I remained for three days untill I saw the Schooner go out to sea and was lost sight off in the Western Sky.

I now was all anxiety how I should get to the object of my wishes, and when I got to her, how I should win her affections, and when I had captivated those, how I was to procure a livelyhood, all those Quickotic nototions ran strong in my mind.

On the 4th day, Pihe, faithfull to his trust came up to me, and said Omowmow, the chief, had returned to his District, from Pa-pe-to-ai, the residence of the Missionarys, and wanted me down to talk to him of my country and that he must give me up to this chief, for that Cox, had told the Chiefs, that I was a young chief in my own Country and that I could not live with him, alto he was a Matabole, and on saying which, the poor fellow caught me in his arms, and burst into tears.

The affections of those poor creatures are very great towards visitors who reside among them, this poor faithfull fellow was no hypocrite, he required nothing from me, more than I had given him, which was two old silk Handkercheifs, a razor, a knife, and a few fish hooks. I was meet on coming into the District, by the old Chief, and near One hundred of the Native, the former of which pressed me to him, and said something to the natives which I afterwards understood to be, "that they were to treat me with every kindness for that I was a young Port Jackson chief, and had sought protection of him, from a tyrannacal captain, whom my Parents had confided in, but who had deceived them, and treated me very ill, out of their sights.

This harrangue had an excellent effect on them in my favour, for I was treated, not only with common civillity, but approached to with reverance.

I was taken to his house, and a feast was made. I could not procure a sight of my Charming Mananna, untill the Feast was over which was about four o'clock in the afternoon. She had been up the valley with a number of other women bathing and came down again draped in all her native elegance, agreable to her national costume, her hair was oiled with sweet scented oil, and neatly combed back behind her ear, a garland of flowers set around her brows, under which she wore a shade of yellow coconut leaves, in each ear, were placed very tastefully a Rose, and a ringlet of sweet smelling flowers around her neck, she wore a white Tappa wound gracefully round her waist, which came as low as her ankles, over her shoulders she wore a rich dyed Tabutai. 

She took me very cordially by the hand, which she pressed hard in hers for a few minutes - I thought I saw Love beaming in her beautifull black eyes. I could have embraced her, in the old English fashion, but prudence forbid it. I gave both her hands a gentle squeeze in both mine, and bid her farewell for the present.

I was taken by her Father into his apartment where with the help of Pihe, as an interpreter we conversed on many subjects, the old Chief was very anxious to gain all the information he could on our Religion, and the mode of Government which the King of England adopted, two subjects of discourse which I knew little off. I made him acquainted with all I knew of Religion, with which he seemed satisfied, and inquired if I was intended by my freinds for a Preist. I informed him that in consequence of the Bible, all Englishmen became acquainted with God the auther of all good. This led to many inquires respecting the Missionarys for whom he did not entertain the most favourable oppinion. I endeavoured to explain the nature of their Mission, and show him that they might get wealthy if they had have remained in their own Country, to which he answered that they are wise enough to choose better for he beleived that no part of the world was equal to those Islands.

I soon found that the discourse was neither palatable to him, or Pihe, who wanted to hear no more on that subject that night, but I was shown my bed by Pihe, which consisted of a rude Bedstead, composed of wide boards, on which was placed a mat, and over which was two folds of native cloth, called Tappa. I got into bed, where I had not been long before I was visited by several Ladies. Amongst the foremost was the gay and playfull Mananna, who were desirous of seeing my naked skin, which while draped they were prevented from seeing by my clothes. The clothes were stripped off me, very unceremoniously which caused me to suspect that they had doubted my sex - in this I was deceived they only wanted to see my skin, which little favour I readily acquesced in and took off my shirt, and showed them my back, and shoulders, which after they had gently laid their hands on, they modestly retired leaving me to indulge in my own thoughts.

I slept very comfortable and indulged in the fond hope of one day gaining the heart of her I loved.

I was awoke in the morning by the moving of the natives, who are early risers, and found altho the sun had not risen, that the family had gone out to bathe, a short distance up the vally to a waterfall. I got a little boy to show me the way up where I found men, Women, and children, all mixed promiscuously together in the water; they no sooner spied me, than out came Mananna, and invited me to undress and come in, I did not hesitate one moment, but jumped into the circling pool, and got under the fall, much to the satisfaction of all present, who was glad to find I was so good a swimmer.

On our getting out again I found I was much criticised, some admiring the whiteness of my skin, others my slenderness, and some old Dame, too, went so far as to doubt my ever being circumsised, which caused the younger ladies to blush from dark Brown, to black. I was determined to make myself happy among them and therefore took all tamely that they said - but not without ruffling my temper some little altho I did not show it.

We all walked very leisurely home together, when Breakfast was ordered when all the Male walked to their eating house, and the Female to theirs. I felt uneasy at this, and expostulated with Omowmow, on the unreasonableness of the custom, when he inquired if the English allowed their women to eat with them, and on my answering in the affirmative, he replied that the English women knew how to behave, but that if the Tahitian women, were once allowed to eat as the men eat, and with them, the sea would not hold fish enough, nor could hogs or poultry be got to satisfy their appetites. I laugh heartily at this quaint observation, which caused him to send for his wife, and daughter, to tell them the cause of my laughter, who joined me in it themselves, and said that they would not let such pigs, as men were, to eat up their food with them - this sarcastic remark was taken in good part by all present. Indeed it is very rare to see family squabbles among those people, all is harmony and goodwill among them, each doing their endeavour to please each other.

After we had breakfasted, the old chief took me to the Morai, or sacred place, which was composed of an Immence pile of stones fixed very machanacly together, the base, or foundation, being laid with large square stones, over those a teir of round stones, over them a teir of square ones and so on alternately for eight or perhaps ten feet high, with a flight of stone steps up to the top, worked ingeniously in the pile; on the top of which was a Godhouse, and several alters, they appeared in a state of decay, and had not been used for some time. 

I took the opportunity through Pihe (who attended me on all occations) to show the Party present the folly of paying devotions to such rude blocks of wood as was there, at which the old Chief laughed, and said the "Atua of Britanay had not revealed himself to them yet, but when he did he and all his people, would worship him" I told him how God had revealed himself to all men by sending his Son Jesus Christ into the world, and that He had revealed himself to them through His servants the Missionary. I observed the old man on all occations to evade entering into any discourse respecting the Missionarys, and could not find out the cause of this for long after; when I did, I found it originated from the evil councils of the Vagabond seamen, who had called on the Islands, (and had misrepresented those Pious men, as cheats, and importune, and had impressed this Chief in particular with the beleif that  the only designs of the Mission was to populate their Country with Europeans, for the purpose of taking it from them - I had great difficulty in dissuading the old man from this error, into which he had fallen by those evil councillors. 

On our return home I opened my Box and gave the chief a few trifles, and Mananna, I presented with a Blue Velvet Jacket and white shirt and a Spittlefeilds Handkercheif all of which he put on and wore in compliment to me that day.

I being very fond of rambling about the district, soon made myself acquainted with all the inhabitants, being determined to make myself agreeable, in whatever station of life I might be called in. I entered into all their customs, and habits, and often joined in their sports, and pastimes. 

I found great difficulty in acquireing the language altho very easy to learn, but my not acquiring it so fast as I ought, was occationed by my having Pihe always at my elbow, to interpret for me. I stated this to the Chief, who said it would be better to learn to speak without a linguist, I according dismissed Pihe and took my freinds Daughter for a teacher, who took great delight in converseing with me, as my readers may be assured I did with her.

I had not been more than a month under her tuition before I discovered, that her fondness for me was more than an every day friendship, - we loved each other - nor was we the only persons that new it - women are always communicative, at least I always found them so, in all countrys and in all climates, that I have been in, so it was here. 

Mananna had told Pihe's wife, that she was in love, Pihe's wife told Mananna's Mother, she, told the Father, and the father, soon told me - our love affair had spread all over the village in three short hours, much to the enjoyment of all the villagers who expected a great feast on the strength of it. 

I candidly told Omowmow, that it was his daughter, that was the cause of my staying on the Island, for added I, "Although I was used ill, by my Captain, I should have proceeded home in the Schooner, had I not fell in love". I saw a dark cloud gather over the old mans counternance, which in my oppinion did not forebode much good towards my cause - he remained silent for full ten minutes, and then told me that it was impossible that I could have his Daughter, for that he knew I was an English Preist and that my Parents had taught me all about the God of Britany for he had seen me on my knees at prayer and had seen me read the Book, like that the Missionaries talked from (Meaning the Bible) and said if I did marry, that I would make his daughter a "bureatua" or Christian, which he did not approve of, therefore I had better give up the Idea, and go to Pepetoi, and get one of the Missionary's daughters. 

What a pity it was that the Missionary's could not spare one of their Brethren to visit the old chief at this time. I was a poor Instrument to speak of Grace to his soul, I was a stranger to it myself. It was true I received a Christian education. I knew the name of Christ, His saving power I knew nothing of. I possesed a New testement which I read, and made him acquainted with as much as I knew myself of Religion.

I was not more than 16 years old, in a warm climate amoungst amorous neighbors, and had given myself up to voluptuousness. I had many convictions at this time and many resolutions had I formed in my own mind against my sensuality but all failed. I had not applied to the fountain of all mercies right, or in a proper spirit, I was therefore captured by the Devil at his will.

I now got permission to obtain the object of all my cares, a Feast was prepared and given, on the occation to all the villagers. The ceremony of a Tahitian marriage is very plain and unceremonious but for the feasting, nature teaches all the rest, the couple are seen together by the Parents and they are then Man and Wife, nor was their marriage any way binding for if both are agreeable they can part again, and if the husband wishes he can enjoy a plurality of wives, when all lives agreeable together, and if the husband pleases he can assign any of his wives, over to his friend; but woe-betide them, who are wicked enough to commit adultery, with out the consent of the Husband - death! is the punishment for both the guilty parties, which is invariable put in execution at the moment it is proved against them.

I had enjoyed a life of Idleness for full three months, when I set to the improving my Father in laws Garden, I planted many trees and put much vegetable into it and that with my own hands and with much to do I got his men to fence it in with a dry stone wall. A little after my Union, I was visited by two white men who had been many years on the different Islands, those were runaway Convicts from Sydney. One, who's name was Williams I knew well to be assigned to a settler at Prospect by the name of Oliver, I made myself known to him, who immediately recollected me.

They invited me to their residence, at the west end of the Island. I excepted their invitation, and accompanied them thither, from there, I went round to Papiatoi and was rather surprised to find that they had followed me so quick, the cause of which I was informed by them, was that they feared I would tell the Missionaries who they were and get them taken up by the first ship that called.

I promised them I would not, and I kept faithfull to my promise. 

1815 - I had now been full four months on this Island, and had acquired a good knowledge of the Language, and while I remained at Papiatoi, the Brig Queen Charlotte, arrived from the Pearl Island, bound for Sydney. She had called at Emio for pork, but could procure none, and being determined to call at the Leeward or Society Islands the Captain engaged me as linguist, with a ernest promise to bring me back to Emio again when my services was no longer required, I recieved some articals of trade from him in advance, and sent it to Aferaitu, to Mananna with an affectionate message by one of her fathers men.

The Brig got underway the next morning the 2nd of March 1815 and the day following we anchored in Tra-re Harbour in the Island of Huine. We were soon boarded by the chief who's name was Na-ve-na-ve-bi-a by whoes kindness we procured near a ton of pork, we remained a week at this Island during the whole of which time I received presents from Mahine, the Governor of the Island during the Queens absence at Emio, who was a distant relation to Omowmow. 

I was on shore the day after we had arrived in this place, when I went up a stream to bathe. I had not bean long in the water before a Native came in and bathed with me, he came very close up to me, but not suspecting any harm intended I did not retire from him when all of a sudden he sprang on me like a Tiger, and ceased me by the Throat. Not knowing what to do, I caught him by the private parts, with a deadly grip, that he soon let go my throat and lay a full minute in a swoon, on his coming to himself I left him and walked down to the Beach were I got into a Canoe and paddled on board. I never could Grasp this savage's motive for acting in this manner, but it is evidient that if I had not effected the Grip I had taken he would have strangled me. 

This is not the general character of the Raiateans, they are equally kind and good natured with the Tahitians.

Our stay was but short at this place when we went round to the S.E. side of the Island to the Harbour called by the natives Tomahahotu opposite the island of Tahaa. Here we got acquainted with the Royal Family of Raiatea who were residing at this place at the time of our visiting it. The vessel had now been fully supplied with what pork and other articles was required for her, the Captain informed me that he could dispense with my services for which he would pay me in Trade the price agreed on but that he would not take me back to Emio, and if I liked he would give me a passage up to Sydney if I choose to go. This I declined unless I had my Aferatai Queen with me. 

I therefore left the Brig and put what property I had acquired into the care of Tamatoa the King of the Island who took me under his protection while I remained at the Leeward Islands. There was an Englishman residing at Tahoa who I was very anxious to see. Tamatou, lent me one of his Canoes, with six natives, that took me to the residence of Robinson, of Tahaa. I accompanied this man to the Island of Bora Bora, where I was Introduced to Mai, the principle cheif of the Island, who treated me with every mark of respect, I found a Canoe on the eve of setting out from this Island to the small island of Maurua or Paupite I being very anxious to visit all the Islands in the Group, while I had it in my power to do so. I communicated my wishes to Mai, who directed the men in the canoe to take every care of me, and let me be taken to their Chief Onow on my arrival on the Island, we got within the Reef after dark that night, and I was shewn up to Onow, who I found to be a rude old man, he felt much surprised at my having married the Daughter of a Chief, he put many pertinant questions to me, concerning the Missionaries for whom he intertained the most hellish hatred. 

The natives of this Island I think are the most uncouth, and ill natured of all the Group. I was glad when I got into a canoe that was going to the Island of Tubai, a small island to the north of Bora Bora, where I arrived after much fatague from being cramped in so small a canoe.

The Island of Bora Bora, is extremely high, and rises in the centre to full 3000 feet, at any distance off, it is seen as obelisk, or pyramid. 

This island like all the others of this group, is surrounded by a coral reef on which are several small low sandy islands, covered with coconut trees, those small Islets are called by the natives Mutu's. The first opportunity that offered I took a passage for Raiatea and arrived at Avera, after two days hard pulling its being a dead calm nearly all that time, I then had to go on to Tamahaha to the residence of Tametou, where I got the next day. This chief felt much surprised at my long story and much more so when I had told him my adventures, he said I was a great voyager, and could tell much to my friends when I got to my native country, both of their Islands, and the manners of the Inhabitants.

I was compelled to remain at this place a full month, till I could get a passage to Huhine, during which time I felt very anxious to get up to Emio. I one day expressed my wearyness at being so long absent from Mananna, when the cheif told me I could get another wife, where I was, for that I was allowed as many as I thought proper, I jocurely asked if he would let me have one of his daughters; when much to my surprise, he said he had no objection, if I would consent to live in the Island with him. This I had no inclination of doing, for although far from the object of my first and earliest affections I had her Image too firmly fixed on my bosom to take another in her room. 

Happy was I, when I was informed that if I could get up to Avapiti, there was a pair of double canoes would leave Utamaoro, for Fare Harbour, in Huhine, in three days. I asked the favour of Tametou, of the loan of his canoes and men to take me up, which he very good naturedly granted. 

After making him a small present, I took my leave and got safe up to the place of my distination that night and found the canoes as I had been Informed. I agreed with the Natives to take me on to Fare, for a shirt, which I gave, and arrived in good health at Fare, about six the next evening. I was welcomed ashore by Pato, a person of considerable influence on this Island who's house I remained at all the time I stayed on the Island. I expressed my anxiety to this chief that I had to get up to Emio, who said that in a few weeks a canoe would leave this place for Emio with a chief of distinction who's name was Auna, and was going on business to Pomare Vahini the Queen of the Island who resided with her sister, the King of Tahiti's wife.

The long looked for time arrived at last, that I was to leave Fare for Emio, and I took my passage with Aero, an inveterate enemy to Missions, so much so that I dare not speak of them all the passage up to Emio. 

I found that this man had no very good feeling towards any European, and it was only out of desire to get presents from me, that he had consented to let me accompany him up to the island I wished to reach. Those Islands are about seventy miles apart, I was glad when I saw the reef that surrounded the Island, and happier still when we arrived at Papetuai the residence of the Royal family. I was introduced for the first time to Pomare the King of Tahiti. I should think he was about forty years of age, he stood about six feet four, and very stout, he was draped in the native costume and entered rather familiar into conversation; particularly respecting Tamitou, whom I understood to be a relation of his, he also inquired much about Mai the cheif of Bora Bora, he asked me my opinion of the Islands and the inhabitants among which I had visited which I gave him very candidly - and I told him that I thought the most Of Huahine. On my saying that, he looked at Mahine (a considerable chief of Huahine, who was then in the kings presence) and said there is a compliment for you, I replied rather smartly that I did not say it out of a compliment to any one, but that that was a fair and unbiased judgement I had formed after visiting all the Leeward Islands - but said Pomare Vahini, "you like Aferaitu best of all". I replied not the District, only an Individual in it; at this, they all burst into a loud fit of laughter. 

I was asked by the King how I would go into that District, by land, or by water, I replied "by land"; he then directed a man whos name was Papapoti to accompany me home. We slept at Taloo Harbour, that night and got up at daylight next morning and journeyed up the ridges that leads to a craggy and dangerous pricipiece up which we had to climb by the help of strong vines that grew over the rocks which I expected every minute would give way and death must inavitably have followed; this precipice cannot be less than one hundred feet from the ledge at top to its base below.   

On our ascention, both Papapoti and myself returned thanks for our safe arrival at the top of the Mountain, we quickened our pace as we descended down the fine ravine that leads into the stream that runs through Aferaitu, and in which the natives bathe, we got to the well known waterfall an hour before sundown, in a few minutes after I heard a well known voice, sounding out of a thick brush, through which the path winds. 

I stood motionless, it was, who I first new it to be my darling Mananna. On seeing me she stood fixed, like myself for a moment untill I ran and imbraced her in my arms - a delightfull feeling - who has not possesed you! dead must that man be, who could not be doubly delighted at such a meeting we cried! wept! yes we both wept! It was not a tear of sorrow, it was a tear of genuine affection, we both loved each other, and gave vent to our feelings, which were reciprocal. 

I turned back with her, and bathed, after which we came in company together to Omowmow who embraced me in the native manner by touching noses, or putting his nose to mine, poor old man I saw a tear trincle down his cheek. It was a parents tear, and tear of joy, he said he thought I had gone back to my own country again in the Brig Queen Charlotte. I put him in possesion of my adventures, and informed him that I had left my native place for the purpose of seeing the World, a great part of which I must see ere I could go home again. Supper was got for me, and I was happy to hear the old cheif say my Mananna, could eat with me if she pleased. She was equally thankfull for this indulgence, and for the first time since I had been among the Islands I had been honoured with female society at the table.

On the first day of November 1815, I joined the Kings party on an expidition against the Idolitrous Rebells of Tahiti. Pomare, at this period being determined to regain his long lost dominions in the Island of Tahiti, had a fleet equipped of not less than 300 War Canoes, from the adjoining Islands of Emio, Huahine, Raiatea, and Bora Bora. The principal Chiefs were Mahini, chief of Huahine, with Auna, Upaporu, Hitote and Pomare Vahini, with all the other Chiefs, and men of distinction who had lately embrace Christianity.

I was placed in charge of a pair of Large Canoes, lashed together, in front of which was a platform erected, and on that was placed a six pound Cowhorn, a short cannon, so called by Seamen, with thirty rounds of powder, and ball, also some double headed and chain shot. 

I hoisted three streams of red, blue, and white, bunting, not very unlike the Tricoloured flag of the French republic. So favourable an opportunity as this, I was determined to turn to my advantage, and joined the Fleet in the highest of Spirits while I was hailed by all from the Beach at Aferaitu with a thousand "Success might attend Teiho, a, Britani" so the natives called me.

It was a pretty sight to see this fleet in a line from the Mutu on the reef at Aferaitu, to the opposite shore of Tahiti, with their white flags and pendants of all colours flying and in full sail - each bossom beat high in hopes of victory in the Christian Kings favour. We made a landing at a place called Bundaviu, at an opening in the reef directly oppisite the Island of Emio, but was not allowed to land by the hostile natives who were prepared to receive us. On being repulsed we got on a small Mutu a little distance from the main, where we lay for three or four days untill the Enemy had retired up to the district of Papara. As soon as we found that they had left, the troops landed, and we pulled round to Naru, where we hauled up our Canoes and remained unmolested until the morning of the 12th when our out pickets gave the alarm that the Enemy was approaching in good order. We were all at prayers for it was Sunday in a large open shed which was about 150 feet long. I think our party was near a thousand strong. 

When Prayer was ended we got the Canoes into the water and prepared for action, while our land forces took shelter behind a large Morai that extended to the waters edge. The adverse party came down to the opposite side of a stream, that was in front of the Morae, in cool and good order, which afforded us a full veiw of the manoevers of the offeciating heathen Priest.

He came in front of his warriors, and threatened distruction on the Christians, whom he pronounced cursed by the Gods of Tahiti, Atu and Hiro, and gave encouragement to his party to trust to Atua, their own God, and that Hiro, had shown him by a vision that all the Canoes, property, and lives of the Bureatua, or Christians would that night be given into their hands and that no mercy was to be shown to the latter but kill, and destroy all, men, women, and Children - he then retreated among his warriors, who commenced a steady fire on us in the Canoes, which our party from behind the Morai returned in good style. 

I loaded my piece and endeavoured to bring her to bear, on a large rock, which covered a party of the Enemys Musketeers, who were riddling our Canoe on all sides, the balls wistling by me in great character.

I could not bring her to bear at all from the Canoes veering round, which caused me to call out to the steersman, who I found on looking round had stuck his head in the bottom of the Canoe, his posterior rising far above the gunwale. I thought the fellow had been shot dead and had fallen in that posture, but on seeing all the rowers in the same position I struck him on the rump with a six pound shot which made him jump up thinking he was actually shot and made him roar out Mari! Mari! oh! how dreadfull! I accused him with cowardice, and threatened to elevate the muzzle at him if he did not attend to his duty. 

This determined adding had the desired effect on him and the others in the Canoe, and enabled me to execute my design in breaking up the rock and killing seven of the Musketeers those men must have fired with their eyes shut, or they could have picked out every individual of us during the time we were at bay - I expected every moment to fall, and sincerely wished I was back at Aferaitu. I was able to fire seven times, but cannot say that any more was killed by me. I was of the greatest service in dislodging the marksmen behind the trees, and rocks. Our Land party fought in goad order, and soon showed the Heathen, that Christians where not void of courage when it was necessary to use it. 

The brave Mahini, behaved gallantly on this occation, also courageous Pomare Vahini, who was in the battle the whole day giving her Christian brethren every encouragement. She was much beloved by the people, was tall, and well proportioned, rather masculine, possesing a fine even steady temper - her personal charm I never thought much of and think it was a pitty she had not been a man, instead of one of the softer sex. 

Pomare was in a canoe about a mile from the shore the whole of the time the engagement lasted, it was his wish to have been in the main body of his army but was not permitted by his people. On the vanquished leaving the field he came in and landed near to where my Canoe lay, and on landing he knelt down and returned Thanks to the Great Jehovah for the victory.

The retreat of the poor deluded rebells was pitiable in the extreme, they expected no quarter, and ran up the Mountains in the wildest confusion yelling most dismally as they ran up the ravines which echoed as they cried.

Nor was the wounded, who lay on the field in much less distress. I went up to one to render him assistance haveing a rammer in my hand he thought I was going to kill him with it - he said very pitifully "I was wounded by you, come and dispatch me quickly". Poor fellow, I could have wept, on seeing the pitifull face he made, he was a man advanced in years I thought I see his family by his side - he was thirsty. I made one of my men get him a drink, which he took and said "now kill me". 

I through away my weapon and took him by the hand and assisted in removeing him to a shady tree that was close at hand, and endeavoured to impress on his mind the Truth of Christianity, poor fellow he knew nothing of its soothing Calm, I therefore left him to the care of an aged female who had taken refuge behind a stone wall in a garden close by.

He died of his wounds that night. At a full meeting of the Chiefs I got great applause for my heroism that day, and wonderfully caressed by all the old women, oh, and all the younger ones too.

On my arrival at Emio, His Majesty presented me with 20 fat hogs for killing seven of his rebellious subjects - he was unacquainted with the custom of my country, and therefore did not lavish empty titles on me, or raise new taxes on his sable subjects for to allow me a pension for life, no he paid me on the nail, at once - for assasanating those men who never did me any harm. 

On a cool reflection I can consider myself nothing better than a murderer and I am sure was I not so young at that time, I never should have entered into such an extravagant piece of wickedness.

I was certainly promped to it, by my ambitious motives, and led on by the impetiousity of boyish Ideas.

I have often since reflected on the dangerous situation my indiscretion placed me and reason to be thankfull that the Providence of God brought me safe out of this Engagement.

In a few days after the battle, the vanquished came out of their Pari or fastnesses in the Mountains and all who came was kindly received and pardoned by the King.

This Battle placed the King Pomare quickly in possession of his long lost kingdom and placed Christianity in a firm footing throughout the whole of the Windward Islands. The Idol called Oro, in whose name the Preist Tino, had promised every success to the conquered party was together destroyed by order of the King. 

Sources - 

- Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales  Joseph Henry Barsden - volume containing autobiographical account of events 1799-1816, compiled ca. 1836, diary Aug.-Nov. 1836, and financial accounts of the Kelso Inn, 1835-1836; together with transcriptions by Alan L. Brown, ca. 197- MLMSS 7279

- Polynesian researches, during a residence of nearly six years in the South Sea Islands, including descriptions of the natural history and scenery of the Islands, with remarks on the history, mythology, traditions, government, arts, manners, and customs of the inhabitants  by Ellis, William, 1794-1872    Publication date 1829  Topics Ethnology  Publisher London : Fisher, Son, & Jackson  Collection europeanlibraries  Digitizing sponsor Google  Book from the collections of Oxford University  Language English  Volume 1  “Joe” is Josephus Henry Barsden. 

Josephus Henry Barsden is now aged sixteen when he becomes a father.

"My beloved Mananna was safely delivered of a fine boy on the 2nd of Nov 1815, so that on my arrival I was saluted on all sides by the women with greetings of joy and congratulation. I called his name after myself Teho or the way the natives pronounce Joseph. Understanding that an American vessell lay in Opunatio or Taloo harbour, on the North side of Emio, I was determined to go over and see wether I could trade with the Commander for any of my hogs. 

I left Aferaitu and got round with my hogs and found the vessel to be the Brig Lady from the Port of Salem, in North America. I dealt with her Capt. John Weatherhead who was also her owner for my goods in exchange of usefull articles which I sent on to Mananna, and was induced by the very handsome offer made me of twenty four dollars per month to act as steward, a situation I was quite competent to fill. 

I grew weary of a life in which I had no society that I could feel happy in although I was fond of Tahitians, yet being younger and of a roving disposition I was anxious to see more of the World, and I agreed to the proposal offered and went round to Aferaitu to bid farewell, oh, a long farewell to all my friends in that district, how fickle are young men, but doubly fickle is the mind of a young Mariner. 

I felt all the bitter pangs of parting, my heart was always susceptible to the softer feelings of our nature. The unhappy Girl hung around my neck and implored me by all she held dear to remain with her, and her aged Father, but my mind was made up, I was determined, and would not have remained if all the Island had been offered me for staying. 

I therefore gave her a Thousand Fair promises that I would soon return again and her, her Father, and all my acquaintances under a full promise that I would return with plenty goods to distribute amongst them all. Little did I think that I should ever return again but so it was ordained, and back I did return but it was under very different circumstances that I did so in a year after."

I joined the vessell on the 6th of Dec. and we left Taloo Harbour the next day for China, via the Frejus and Friendly Islands. After passing many of the Islands to the West of the Society Islands we arrived off Eoou(?), on the 15th and lay to for a few hours, during which time several canoes full of Natives came off to trade with us for yams coconuts and other fruits and curiosities for which we exchanged beads, red cloth, and Ironmongery.

We arrived at Tonga, the principal of the Friendly Isles the next day and found it difficult to procure fresh water, this Island is of coral formation and is covered over with a rich vegetable mould inclining to sand. The natives are very industrious, and the Gardens are all neatly fenced in with bamboo stakes drove in the ground to keep out the hogs. Yams, and Coconuts, Plantains, and pineapples are very plentifull. 

We remained here only four days, and sailed for the Hapu Isles a little to the West of Tonga. The natives were not so friendly nor did the Women come on board our vessel as was the case at other Isles in those seas. 

We procured near three tons of sandell wood at the Island of Vavaoo, the largest and most fertille of the Harpu Group. We next made the Island of Tikoenova, one of the Feejees were we procured ten tons of this wood but of rather an inferior quality. 

We found the natives of those latter Islands dreadful savage, ferocious, thievish and canibal - we were compelled to keep a continual look out on their movement and were compelled more than once to punish with instant death some of the most glaring offenders, it was not the wish of the Captain that their lives should be wantonly taken away but it was actually necessary to keep those savages in awe by this summary and condign punishment. 

We found from the hostile disposition of those people that we were not likely to procure what we wanted we therefore left then for the Isle Tironu thinking to fill up with sugar for the American Market, and so decline going on to China. 

After passing numarous Islands to the North of New Holland we arrived at Port Louis on the 7th of March 1816. We procured but little sugar but sold a large quantity of goods of American manufacture and left on the 2nd of April for Manilla, a Spanish settlement in the Philippine Islands. 

The Mauricons is rather high in the centre its low lands are very sandy but produce good sugar cane, Indigo and other plants.

I had an oppertunity of seeing the bird, called by Buffon, the Dodo. It is a very large bird, webb footed, and waddles like an immense Duck. 

The Capt. purchased an orangatang, a creature of the Ape species, but much longer than the common Ape; this brute was dressed up like a Marine and would march the quarter deck in great style. It was some times very fierce and would choke the Boys in the vessell if not prevented by the seamen.

We arrived in Batavia, the capital of the Island of Java, on the 27th of April and here our ship crew took the yellow fever three of which fell a victim to the disease. We weighed our anchor on the 6th of May for Manilla were we arrived on the 20th of the same month.

The Town, and Port of Manilla, is situated on the West side of the Island of Luconue, the largest of the Phillipine Group, and contains near 20,000 Inhabitants of a Mixed decription, Spanish, Chinese, and Malayes, the central Mountains are very high almost always covered with Clouds, they appear to be of a volcanic formation. The town is very prettily situated and tolerably clean considering the mixture, and origin of its inhabitants.

This Port is much frequented by shiping from India, Europe, China and America, while I lay there there could not be much less than 15,000 Tons of Shipping in the Harbour from all ports of the Globe.

Our Captain determined on going to China, on a speculative trip, and we left this port on the 7th of June, and arrived at Macao, an Island in the Bay of Canton in China, on the 21st. This Town of Portuguese origin, but is occupied by people from all parts, and perhaps it contains from 5 to 6000 European Inhabitants and about 40,000 Chinese. We took in a cargo at this place for the Rusian settlers at Kamitshatka. After disposing of the property we brought to this Port, I was indulged by our Captain to go on to Wampoa a little settlement in which reside Consuls from all quarters of the Globe; a curious circumstance occurred to me at this place which I will relate. 

I was advised by many of my acquaintance not to go about alone, their advise was thrown away on me in too many instances, I always liked to walk alone in all foreign ports so that I might be enabled to make my own observations on the various objects uninterupted. Such was the case in this Instant. I got Ten Dollars from the Capt. and on shore I went.

I called at a shop kept by a Chinese Tartar, and purchased several articles which was very cheap, or appeared so to me, the shop man very politely tied them up in a silk handkerchief which he had made me a present of, and on my going out of the door I was meet by a man dressed in the Country costume who through a handful of snuff into my eyes and took my bundle, picked my pockets and through me down in the stone of the street. 

It was sometime there till I got over the blindness occasioned by the snuff - on recovering my sight I repaired to the residence of the American Consul who sent an officer with me to a Manderine who sited the shop keeper before him who on appearing made him restore me a like quotam of property and money equal to what was taken from me.

I understood this to be the custom of place, for by compeling the Inhabitants to make restitution they used their utmost endeavour to keep the streets clear of theives - be this how may - I was very thankfull - and was very carefull ever after.

We anchored at a town called St. Peter and St. Pauls a very minute little place bounded in by large mountains. There is not more than from thirty to forty houses in the place those are principally inhabited by Russian soldiery and Exiles. We gave up our cargo to the Government and left for Aleoutske, or Foxes Islands, for the purpose of precuring skins but could obtain but very few. 

We therefore bore off for California and arrived at Fort San Francisco where we took in wood and water, from this place we sailed on to Valparaiso were we remained for six weeks. The Town is situated in Chile and is a place of rendevous for Shipping from Peru, to the Phillipine Islands. It is not a place of consequence and built between the sea and a Mountain to the East, the buildings are of a wreched decription, and the Inhabitants are very filthy and Indolent to which I may justly add superstition in all her deplorable garb. There lives several English in this Town one of which keeps a tolerable Inn, it was at this Inn that I first ate horse flesh dressed up as beef steaks and it drew down from all at table the highest praise for the fineness of its flavour but I must remark that we had all dined before we knew what flesh it was having taken it for beef.

We left Valparaiso and arrived safe at the Sandwich Islands which were discovered by Capt. Cook in the year 1778. Those islands are very picturesque and are considered by some Navigators to be the Queen of South Sea Islands. I think otherwise of them - although I admit that their situation in a commercial point of view gives them decidedly the preeminence over the Georgian Group yet in point of fertility Tahiti is far before them. 

There is a very considerable Trade carried on between the Americans and these Islands which is I am glad to hear likely to be very considerably extended.

I went on shore at Kearakua Bay the spot were the Immortal Cook was killed by the Natives. I was shown the spot, which is covered with stones in the shape of a cone near the beach, the sight of which brought to my recollections the days of my childhood when I heard the interesting voyage made by that able Navigator - and was filled with a secret awe as I mourned over the lonely pile.

The natives expresed a deep regret at the unfortunate circumstance and he appears to be deeply bedded in the affection of these people.

Hearing of a volcano, burning in the centre of this Island, I got permission of the Capt. to accompany him up to it; we were three days travelling up many rugged and slippery tracks of lava, which had forced its way through the valleys to the sea were they ended, some in level plains and some in bluff heads on the sea coast. It was near night when we got to the brink of the Gulph, and after dark it was awful in the extreme. Some moments you would see one shining light of clear blaze all over the ocean of fire; and an other time all in obscure darkness, again a single ray of light would burn suddenly to your view, then 2,3,4,5,6 burning cones would shine in for as many minutes and so on in succession for the whole of the night. Every now and then a disagreable sulphurous smell would arise out of the dire pit and a continual grumbling was heard in the whole of the night proceeding from the action of the burning ellements below. 

None of the party slept any all the night, nor could I sleep although very much fatigued with walking. I could not immagine but that I was on the brink of his Satanic dominions and I laboured under many uneasy feelings concerning my spiritual state at that time. 

Our stay was not of long duration but we left for Hawaii and set sail for Oahu, the residence of the principal cheifs of the Islands. On our anchoring at Honolulu the Royal residence we were met by Tamahumua and his Queen consort who traded very freely with us. 

Inviting the officers on shore to a ball or entertainment, and receiving a like complement on board the vessel in return, after procuring a good supply of provisions and filling up our stock of wood and water. We left Oahu for the Marquesas - in quest of sandel wood.

In three weeks after leaving the Sandwich Islands we arrived at Santa Christiana, one of the Windward Islands of the Marquesian Group. 

We could not procure more than a ton of wood towards our Cargo, so we left for the small Island of Santa Pedro, so called by the Spanish navigators but Rooapoa, by the natives. 

This Island lies to the South West of Santa Christiana about 70 miles and about 10 Leagues South of Nuahiva, call'd Sir Henry Martins' Island, by the English Mariners. We anchored in a small bay situated on the S.E. side of the Island and which lay exposed to the S.E. Wind, in five fathom water in a foul Coral bottom. On running into the unsheltered Bay I endeavoured to dissuade the Capt. from assuring him at the same time that if bad weather set in from the S.E. point nothing could save the ship and our lives would be exposed to the mercy of those unfeeling Cannibals. Poor infatuated man, no arguments could alter his opinion, he said he could soon fill the vessel and in a calm day she could be very easy towed out in the Channell between Sir Henry. Martins' Island and St. Pedro's. 

We anchored at two o'clock a.m. with the wind a light breeze South, which veered round in the course of the evening to S.E. blowing directly in the Bay. About 8 the Wind stiffened and commenced a gale driving a heavy sea before it into the Bay. At 11 our best Bower cable parted being cut through by the Comal Rocks, while clearing away the vessel drove dragging her cadge anchor after her. 

After driving before the swell about two hundred fathoms she brought up in four and a half fathums of water and we were enabled to secure the best Bower cable to a large Rock on the S.E. point of the Bay. This held untill 2 p.m. when the wind became more violent and the sea rolled in and broke athwart our Bows most awfully when the Cable again chopped in two at the Rock and in the minutes after the cadge broke about a fathom from the Hosehole(?), and we drove on the shore with dreadfull violence by the waves near which the vessell rounded on her bildge and lay on her beam ends with the sea dashing under her keel.

The night was very dark being clouded but free from rain, and very warm. We were driven within a cables length of the Beach which was a white sand and was plainly seen although the night was so dark. Being an expert swimmer, I rolled an American Ensign (which lay on the cabin Table) around my loins and plunged in to the surging waves holding the end of a small halyard in my mouth which I fastened to an adjacent coconut tree on the beach, and by which means all who could not swim got safe on shore - where we remained in awful suspense for two hours until the dawn of the day when the Natives gathered around us and having secured our hands they marched us up to a house about a mile up the valley, in which they secured us having first stripped us quite naked of all our clothes which they immediately began to tear up and divide among themselves. 

Our feelings! Can my reader for a moment suppose that we were at the height of our miserable condition at this epoch, if they think so, I regret I have to narrate a more shocking picture, which will harrow up the feelings of the hardest hearts that is not callaced by the frequent occurence of such direful scenes. 

I have stated how we were pent up in a secure house which in an hour was made doubly secure, by piling larger stones out side of the building nearly stiffling us by excluding the air - after a long consultation of the Chiefs of the District we were brought to the door of the Prison and the fattest of the number chosen from the Party. 

The choice fell on Jose Estremina, a man of Colour and Cook of the vessell. The poor fellow was chosen to be cooked himself to allay the ferocious appetites of those Barbarians. He was a short, stout young man possessing a cheerfull counternance and was a light hearted good natured poor fellow, he was a Native of Buenos Aires in South America but had been much in North America in the United States and could speak good English. 

Many an evening we had listened to his amusing tales of the superstition of his Countrymen but he little thought that he should one day fall a prey to the superstitious rites of a more barbarous Priesthood; I shall never forget his last look at us, on his being dragged out to be sacrificed. 

He said "well boys, here goes, you will soon follow me," fortunately for us there was no more victims chosen for the Bloody rite that day. Jose was soon dispached with clubs by two huge Savages strikeing him on the head, which as soon as done he was draged to the burning pile and disembowelled and placed thereon with as little ceremony as a Tahitian would cook a fat hog - their method of cooking being very similar.

Our Capt. shed tears and expressed every sorrow for haveing placed us in so perilious a situation, but it was too late - yet none ever reproached him for the mishap. He was a kind and good hearted man, and very indulgent on all occations to his Crew. Being placed in so dark a place we could not see daylight much less the work of destruction going on at the vessel, indeed every noise we heard, we fully expected it was a fatal visit to one or more of us. Oh! how did I mourn my folly for giving way to a rambling disposition, wracked with thoughts of my early depravity and the awefull exit I was likely to make off the stage of life and that too at so early an age, launched into a more awfull Eternity.

I here prayed, a fearful hope presented itself before my eyes. I knew nothing of the dying Saviours' Love; Guilt in all its deformity, Sin in all her ugliness presented themselves before my sickened thoughts, not a friend to help, not a hand to comfort all! 

Every soul around sunk in despair, every one expecting the bloody messenger of Death in every whispering breeze that ouzed through the neighboring grove.

I have said I here prayed, it was a confused prayer yet my God in Love heard my prayer and delivered myself and others out of the jaws of Death, sing with the Psalmist "Praise the Lord o my Soul", for He in mercy delivered me from the hand of savage men. We were kept in this state of wretchedness for three days without any food or even water allowed us. I suffered much from thirst, and was drove to wet my lips with my own urine several times - this only added to the parching drouth. 

At length I found a deliverer in the person of an old Woman the principal chief's wife on the Island her name was Kekoa. She came to the entrance of the Prison to look at us and I put my finger to my parching lips and asked her in her own language for a drop of water. 

She ordered a quantity of water and food to be brought in and given to us. Timely releif! how gratefully received; who that ever was sick or in trouble, but have felt the benefits arising from Womans soft and tender heart, ah! ye fair Sex, who like you to attend the Dyeing patients pillow, or the Iron bound captive in distress my grateful heart shall ever resound your well deserved creed of Praise.

Monster indeed must he be, who could rob you of your dearest worth, a benevolent heart, yet ye masculine gender (I speak it to your shame!) how little thought of, how much neglected when Woman, weak and easy beguiled Woman falls and but too often falls a prey to your insidious treachery. I cannot let the subject drop without calling up all the powers of my soul in Womans praise, how often have I had to be gratefully thankfull to Women for their instrumentality in preserveing my life. 

A little after we were so kindly supplied by Kekoas benevolence I was called out by a chief and taken up the valley to her residence were I remained during my stay on the Island. The other part of the Crew was allowed to go out and in under an escort for about a fortnight when they were taken to fetch sandel wood on their shoulders from the Mountains a distance of two Leagues or thereabouts - at other times they were permitted to accompany Fishing parties, and would be allowed to go a considerable distance to sea, but never without a large party of Natives with them.

For my own part I was very kindly treated by the Natives after I was taken to the Chiefs house - and was never asked to serve in any menial occupation. I cannot speak as much for my poor ship mates, not even the Capt. excepted. I have often been ready to shed tears when I have seen him quite naked under a Tropical Sun with a heavy load of sandel wood, or other things galling his flesh - I was myself quite naked all the time I was here - yet I was highly favoured by being allowed to keep in the shade; the climate being so warm there is no inconvenience felt from the want of clothes unless when exposed to the rays of the Sun.

The Barsden Diary finishes here in 1816. J.H. Barsden was seventeen years old.  We will never know how he left this disaster. But we know from his earlier notes that he returned to Tahiti. ("Little did I think that I should ever return again but so it was ordained, and back I did return but it was under very different circumstances that I did so in a year after.")

Now aged only 18. From Colonial Government records we know that Josephus Henry Barsden returned to New South Wales in 1818 as he received payment to relinquish land at Parramatta to the Colonial Government. We know that he became the District Constable of the Sydney Police - 1820 – 9 March - Police of  the Colony, viz.  Parramatta.- William Bragge, Ordinary Constable, to be District Constable for Melville, in the Room of Joseph Barsden, who resigned on the 4th Instant. By 1821 – June – St Lukes Liverpool – Marriage to Mary Ann Blackman. The service was conducted by Reverend Samuel Marsden, the same Marsden who established the first school in the colony that Barsden attended and he owned the Brig Active that Barsden first sailed on to Tasmania. Later in 1832 we see that Barsden acquired land at Uruti in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand which was part of the area developed by Samuel Marsden. The same land records show it was sold in 1839. Did he travel again to New Zealand? To Tahiti? We may never know.

1822 - As stated, Joseph Henry Barsden married Mary Ann Blackman of the Blackman Family that had also been supported by Governor Philip Gidley King. It seems to me that J.H. Barsden likely went to school with the Blackman children and would have been well known to them. Now in 1822, he and Mary Ann are married and had their first child (Margaret Jane Barsden) who was baptised at St Lukes in Liverpool and the Barsden's acquired 100 acres at Liverpool on the same date as their neighbour, Samuel Blackman, Mary Ann's Brother.  We have the records that show the land size and the farming production totals in the 1822 Liverpool Census.

1823 – Richmond - Appointed Constable on the Richmond Road in the Hawksbury District.

1824 – 31 July – Birth of Daughter, Mary Ann Barsden

1824 – Dec - As Constable he distinguished himself by apprehending escaped convict John Weavers, on the Windsor Road.

1825 – March - I HEREBY certify to the Public, that ELIZABETH  CARLISLE (Wife of WILLIAM CARLISLE, Painter,  of Richmond), is not living or co-habiting with any Bullock-  driver by the Name of Roberts, but she lives at my House  with her Sister, and under my protection, and is totally  depending on her own Industry, her Husband having parted  with her without allowing her any Support,  J. H. BARSDEN.

1825 – August – Moves to Bathurst as District Constable

1825 - Essington near Oberon was first settled by Phillip Parker King, son of Governor King. It seems to me that he named the area Essington as per his connections with the name here - Port Essington was named on 23 April 1818 by Phillip Parker King in HMS Mermaid 'as a tribute of my respect for the memory of my lamented friend, Vice-Admiral Sir William Essington, who was in command of Triumph at the battle of Camperdown in October 1797. (We know the strong connection with the King family and the Blackman Family) 

1826 – August - J.H. Barsden connection with Samuel Marsden. Witness at wedding in St Luke’s Parramatta with Rev Samuel Marsden officiating.

1827 – July - IMPOUNDED IN THE DISTRICT OF MELVILLE, a Red and White Spotted Young Bull, with a brand mark on the near thigh, not legible.  If not claimed within fourteen days from this date, will be  sold to defray expenses.  J. H. BARSDEN,  July 18 1827. Pound-keeper.  THE AUSTRALIAN.  SYDNEY, JULY 18, 1827.

1828 - J. H. Barsden, District Constable - Residence listed as Lockup House - Great Western Hwy - Melville

1829 – Jan – Birth of son, Joseph Barsden

1830 – Oct - Joseph Henry Barsden, freeholder, sworn : He resided at Clear Creek in 1830 ; was there for three years

1832 – Sep - Shows purchase of land by J.H. Barsden on 1 Sep 1832 and 4 July 1839

1833 – July - Liquor license issued

1833 – Nov – Land purchase at Bathurst

1834 – Listed as Publican

1834 – December - Pursuant to Public Notice, a Meeting of Licensed Victuders took place at the Hotel on Thursday evening, for the purpose of taking into consideration the means whereby certain clauses of the Licensing Act might be rescinded. Seven o'clock was the hour named for taking the chair, but it was half past eight before many arrived ; when about twenty persons were present Mr. Jacob Wyer was called to the chair.  Mr. W. is a very respectable man, but not an experienced chairman. It is to this circumstance that most of the confusion which ensued is to be  attributed. Mr. Orain was nominated secretary and commenced reading the resolutions. 

By this time the number of persons present had increased to about forty ; and so ardent was the desire to  get through the business of the evening, that half a dozen persons generally spoke at once. Several  persons wished to know, what had become of the funds which had been raised about three years since another made the very natural enquiry of whether they were there to behave as men, or as  jackasses? while another gentlemen was assiduous in proposing that all Reporters should be turned out! A Reporter present observed, that unless this gentleman was ashamed of the proceedings,  he could see no reason for his proposition, and therefore to secnre standing room, he would call  for a glass of grog. in the course of the evening Dr. Lhotsky entered the room, when it was instantly proposed by several gentlemen, that the Doctor should take the chair ; this motion was not put but the doctor made a speech, part of  which was somewhat unpalatable. 

He said that before the publicans prayed for alterations, they should deserve it ; and one way of deserving it was, by never serving a drunken man ; and he ( D L) was of opinion, that the publicans would gain by such conduct, as many persons who wished to go into a public house to refresh themselves, will not now do so, because they see drunken men there, and so go further to a more respectable house. The Secretary then read a draft of a  Petition to the Governor to Council, praying a revision of clauses Nov. 22 and 29 of the Licensing Act; but although from the noise made by a gentleman in a drab great coat (who kept shouting  the words "Mr. Chairman! Mr. Chairman!" we could not distinctly hear what was said, yet it  seemed to us, that the argument, that the clauses in question afforded protection to selling spirits on  Sunday's in sly grog shops, was forgotten. 

There were several persons present who called themselves Licensed Vistuallers, who seemed to have come to the Meeting for the express purpose of creating a disturbance, and turning the Meeting into ridicule and they pretty well effected their object. Indeed, we heard a gentleman who casually entered say, that if the judges were present, they would instantly recognise a strong argument in favour of a division of the Bar ; for if the higher order of the publicans had been allowed to speak, no doubt the Meeting would have been conducted in a more  business-like manner; to which an unhappy Attorney said, " he begged to-differ." 

Towards the latter part of the evening a Mr. Barsden from Bathurst (a native of the Colony) - addressed that Meeting in the only sensible speech that was made during the evening ; he said, he had come one hundred and thirty miles for the express purpose of attending the meeting, and of reporting the proceedings at Bathurst ; he would ask, what account could he give ? Mr. B. then ably explained the classes of the Act which pressed hardest upon the publicans, and concluded by informing the Meeting, that he was perfectly ashamed of their conduct! 

A committee of twelve gentlemen were at last named, to draw up a petition to the Governor, and to collect funds &c. &c., and Mr. B. was unanimously called to the chair. Mr. B. then proposed the thanks of the Meeting to Mr. J. Wyer the ex-chairman for this good intentions, and also to Mr. Berner for the use of the room. Mr. B. was making another proposition, when he was interrupted by a set-to. between a person who had been making himself conspicuous the whole of the evening ; and a Licensed Victualler, who was behaving properly. 

This broke up the meeting. - The respectable and intelligent publicans who had intereated themselves in getting this Meeting up, deserve well of their brother Publicans for their attempts and intentions, but they did not carry their labour through. First, they should in a precious private committee, have arranged all the proceedings; and a particularly fixed on a man of weight and business habits to take the chair. If there had been an efficient chairman in the first part of the evening, the confusion which attended the Meeting might have been prevented and something been done. In the end no step of any consequence was taken and the Meeting ended in a fight without accomplishing one object.

1834 - ADVERTISEMENT. To my Friends, and the Public. I BEG to inform you, through the medium of the Press, of certain circumstances which have befallen me during the last month or two-A man by the name of John Walsh some time ago set up at Bathurst as a Carcase Butcher, and knowing him to be a Stockholder I on one occasion unhesitatingly purchased a quarter of Beef of him, at one penny halfpenny per pound, which he wheeled up to my house in the most public manner, I having publicly bought it of him, at the price just mentioned. A few hours afterwards, however, suspicion arose as to the manner in which he had become possessed of the said Beef, when I made an official at Bathurst acquainted with the manner in which I had purchased it, who remarked that I had given too high a price for it, he having bought a quarter of the same man, at one penny farthing per pound. No further notice was taken of the circumstance until six weeks had elapsed from the time of making the purchase, when, not to my surprise only, but likewise to the surprise of the whole of my neighbours, I was apprehended under a warrant, and committed to prison, where I remained for three weeks, and at length was committed to take my trial at the ensuing Criminal Court, charged with buying a part of an ox, the property of Major-General Stewart, well knowing the same to be stolen ! But perhaps the strangest part of the transaction is, that no oath is sworn either against me or the individual who was committed at the same time for purchasing some of the same beef-; and the Magistrates stated, in reply to a question I put to them, that we had ourselves admitted to buying the beef, "and as it turned out to be stolen, it was of no consequence whether we knew it to be so or no! that, as sheep and cattle stealing had grown to such a height, we stood committed to take our trial, to intimidate others from buying beef in the same manner."  It now becomes my duty to inform you that I and my companion in adversity have commenced actions against the committing Magistrate for false imprisonment, and the case will soon appear in its true colours before the bar of my country, whose decision I confidently trust will do ample justice to my case. I am, Gentlemen, yours, &c, J. H. BARSDEN, Bathurst.

Source - The Sydney Herald, 17 July 1834

1834 - BATHURST. MESSRS BARSDEN AND DAVIS RESPECTFULLY inform the Gentry and Public in general of Bathurst, that they have entered into arrangements with some of the first Mercantile Houses in Sydney, by consequence of which they will constantly be enabled to supply those Friends who may honour them with their Patronage and Support, with all kinds of GENERAL STORES, WINES, and SPIRITS, at unprecedented low prices. Barsden and Davis. We know that the partnership was dissolved in 1835 and Barsden continued trading at Kelso.

1835 – March - To the Editor of the Australian.  SIR, On perusing your paper of this- date,  I find inserted in your report of the dress -ball at Regentville, a false, scandalous, and malicious libel on my character couched in the following gentlemanly language. 'After referring to a ridiculous circumstance occurring of a strange figure appearing in a-fancy dress, you remark that ' he was  'recognised by Mr. Rankin, to be a Mr. Barsden, who was, lately tried for cattle stealing ! he was immediately kicked out, and taken by the constables, in his fancy dress, to enlighten the minds of the inhabitants of the Penrith watch-house.' I cannot but think that your informant had partaken too freely of Sir John's good cheer, when he gave, you the above, information ;  or, perhaps his memory was a nondescript. The truth of this freak is as follows: Two sportsmen (gentlemen) of Sydney, wagered that no Native of the Colony could obtain ingress to the ball-room without introduction, either by a friend, or letter;  the bet was £50 a-side, and I undertook the performance of it for £25. I did get ingress without either friend or letter, and won the wager for my friend, who has paid me the £25 ; and I deny ever, being tried for cattle stealing, or being kicked out of the ball-room. I had won the wager (which a gentleman who was present can prove), and had passed out of the room before Mr. Rankin recognised me; 'nor was I ever ordered to the watch-house; as Sir John Jamison can testify. So much for the truth of your report. '  I am, Sir, &c. -  J.H. BARSDEN. 

Sydney, March I7, 1835.  [We insert Mr. Barsden's, letter, as we are bound to do supposing our report to have been incorrect in any particular; we obtained our information from what we believed to be a correct source. Probably we should not have thought it necessary to take any notice of the circumstance, but it was hinted by Mr. Barsden that two gentlemen of the Profession of the Law had been the instigators of the matter in question, and we could not suffer it to be supposed that they were the parties to whom such a hint might possibly have been thought to refer. Mr. Barsden denied to us ever having told Sir J. Jamison. that the betters were two lawyers ; we know that he did 'say so ; as for a person who was present being cognizant of the pretended bet, we do not believe one word. — Ed.  

Speaks fluent French – Nephew of Governor King – This is a recollection of the fancy dress ball from a friend many years later (1913) recalling the event - UPS AND DOWNS Of LIFE  (BY J. STANLEY.)  

As at one time I had property in Kelso and built a house there, I naturally took great interest in the place and its inhabitants. Many of my  neighbors were worthy men and some caused me much amusement. One, the late J. H. Barsden, was my superior in the District Court and was a cultured and well read man. He was a nephew of Governor King and well connected in other ways. He was a fine French scholar and spoke French fluently. I think he was born in the Mauritius. 

At any rate, he had such confidence in himself that he made a wager with a young man in Sydney that he would go to the Governor's ball without an invitation and without detection. He went disguised as a French count, almost ignorant of English, and sustained his role unsuspected and successfully until after supper,  when the individual — I won't call him a gentleman — with whom the bet was made, in fear of losing his money, called the attention of the aide de camp to the intruder and he was forth with ejected, and, of course, lost his money. 

I had many adventures with him and was always discovering some new virtue or good feature in his disposition. I was in the shop of McDonald, the Howick-street tailor, doing some business one day. Barsden was also there and a stranger. The stranger hearing the clock strike, gave a start and said, 'I'll come back again, for I must go now as I promised to pay some money into the bank ,to the credit of Cockie, the store keeper. I saw Barsden start and he followed the stranger, to the bank and waited at the counter. The man paid in his deposit and left. 

Barsden opened his pocket book, took out a cheque and presented it. It was handed back to him marked 'N.S.F.'  Barsden took a slip and paid in one pound to the credit of Mr. Cockie, the drawer.  The explanation was that Cockie  had borrowed 100 pound from Barsden and had given him a cheque for that sum in return, but the balance was always kept purposely under that amount, and that therefore the cheque was not negotiable, and was handed back again after the new deposit. Six times more the same process was repeated and cheque refused, but on the seventh deposit there was a sufficient balance and the cheque was paid. Another instance of the good effect of keeping a cheque once dishonoured occurred to  me. I took a cheque from a horse  dealer in payment for some horses,  which, when presented, was refused.  I accordingly went to the hotel of the  drawer and found the sheriff's officer  taking an inventory of the furniture,  so I went away without mentioning  my business, as I thought it was useless. 

Ten years afterwards a man was talking to me when suddenly he  said, I must go; the bank will be  closed and I want some money.' 'Perhaps I can cash it for you,' I said;  'whose is it?' He told me the  amount and the drawer's name. I told him I had not sufficient, but it happened to be the same man whose dishonored cheque I had in my desk. I kept my friend until I saddled a  horse, and got the old cheque and  went with him. Going up the street, he was called by someone and detained for a time. I hurried up and  presented my cheque at the Bank of New South Wales. 

Forrest, the teller, looked at it and asked where I got it. I told him from the drawer, and after  seme hesitation he paid it. I got  away as soon as possible and after  wards heard that my friend was not  so fortunate, as when he reached the  bank it was a case of N.S.F. Another of my neighbors was the  late John Bruin, a thorough misanthrope. He had a penchant for writing insulting letters to his neighbors, reproving them for their sins, and reviling their female relations. He sent one of this sort to Barsden, who merely soiled the letter with dirty matter and posted it back to the writer.  Bruin one day missed a turkey, so he  wrote one of his characteristic letters  to a neighbor, John Skinflea. He did not waste any time or space with the  usual meaningless? 'Dear Sir,' but  simply dashed into it, this way — 'John  Skinflea, — A turkey was stolen at my premises this morning, and I have reliable information that an ill-looking character of most villainous appearance, was seen near the place. 

Now that description corresponds exactly with you,- and therefore I give you notice that if the turkey is not returned before tonight, I shall apply for a warrant for your arrest tomorrow - John Bruin, Kelso.'  Unfortunately, the recipient Skinflea  could not read or write, and, of course, was unable to appreciate the charming billet-doux of his neighbor at its full value; but he called at daughter and dictated this answer to her — 'John Bruin, — You are a red old beggar. Bless you and your turkey.  Get out!. My boy Jim shall fight you for a pound. Go to heaven! What do you know about bacon aroun? Go to the utandevil. Who wants you or your blessed turkey?— John Skinflea, Kelso.'  (This was sent by messenger.)  Those two delectable letters are only  a sample of the correspondence between, these two characters, both so abusive that neither would have the advantage in an action at law. 

They are both gone and I hope meet in friendship in another sphere, but after this bout I met Skinflea. He said, 'Have you seen Bruin lately?' I  said, 'Yes; I saw him to-day.' He  said, 'Did he look bad?' I said, 'I  did not notice.' He said, 'Well he ought to, I sent him a stinger today. It was a regular caulker. I'll turkey him.' -  Barsden came to me one day and  told me he had a case against W.  Nipper, but could not catch him, and offered me a pound to catch him. I agreed. We started next day, and when we got in sight of the place I left Barsden in plant and went on by  myself, making as much noise as  possible to attract attention. When I got to the house the girls came out,  and I enquired for their father, but of course, they denied him. I dismounted and told them that as I had come so far, I would wait for his return. 

This checkmated them and they fetched him out. I kept talking to him until Barsden came on the  scene and made the capture. We  bought him into town, and passing  a hotel, one of the debtor's friends enquired the trouble and kindly paid  the debt and costs, but had to resort to the same legal proceedings  some months after to recover his money from the ungrateful fellow he had befriended.

At Sir John Jamison’s fancy dress ball at Regentville (his property near Emu Plains New South Wales) on 12 March 1835 it was reported that an uninvited guest – “a very strangely dressed figure with large grey whiskers” - appeared late in the evening: Everybody was wondering who he was, when he was recognised by Mr Rankin as a Mr Barsden, who had been some short time previously tried for cattle stealing! He was immediately kicked out and taken by the constables in his fancy dress to enlighten the minds of the inhabitants of Penrith watch-house.

JH Barsden contradicted this record in a letter published in the next issue of the Australian claiming that the memory of the newspapers informant Mr Rankin who attended the ball in the character of “Nondescript” was characteristically non-descript too. Barsden admitted that he did not have an invitation (although 800 had been issued) and that he had gate crashed the ball for a bet but denied “ever being tried for cattle stealing or being kicked out of a pool room.” The fear that a costume or disguise might allow an uninvited and/or inappropriate person to take part in the event became a constant in subsequent fancy dress balls. Perversely it was this very possibility which gave the occasion and added piquancy. 

Sir John Jamison’s ball “was by far the most magnificent entertainment ever seen in New South Wales.” He had built a large wooden temporary ballroom (150 feet long) especially for the occasion. An orchestra played in a recess at one end of the room while the other was fitted up as a little theatre with Australian scenery painted by William Winstanley. A fancy dress ball would seem to be an appropriately carnivalesque and subversive entertainment for SirJohn, given his anti- Exclusivist sentiments, especially one where the Solicitor General, J.H. Plunkett, was the “life and soul of the evening” disguised as an Irish Fidler and where Lieutenant Faunce of the 17th Regiment cross-dressed as a Bavarian Broom Girl, Mrs Edward Deas Thomson (Governor Bourke's daughter) was an Indian Princess and the conquerors of the Blue Mountains, Gregory Blaxland and William Lawson, were bandits.

1835 – April - Samuel Marsden dedicates the new Holy Trinity Church at Kelso. 

CONSECRATION OF BATHURST CHURCH.

The New Church of Bathurst having been reported complete in its erection, Easter Sunday was appointed for its consecration, and in consequence of the absence of the Archdeacon of New South Wales, from the Colony, the Rev. Samuel Marsden, as senior Chaplain, arrived from Parramatta, for the purpose of performing the sacred ceremony. The day being particularly fine, the congregation assembled on the occasion was unusually numerous; nearly every family within twenty miles of the settlement being present. After an introductory prayer suited to the occasion, the venerable Chaplain delivered an excellent discourse.

The building is extremely plain but neat substantial and commodious, and from the period of its foundation by Archdeacon Broughton, to its consecration yesterday, has proceeded with a degree of celerity highly creditable to the committee of direction as well as to the contractor, who of necessity labours under all the disadvantages attendant on the extent of Land-carriage from the capital. The site of the edifice is upon a gentle declivity, which overlooks a considerable range of country, and forms a pleasing and prominent object in the beautiful landscape of Bathurst Plains. 

The cost of the erection has amounted to £1,100, half of which was advanced by the Colonial Government, in consideration of a like sum being subscribed by the inhabitants, and it is satisfactory to record in honour of that respectable body of persons, the Bathurst settlers, that their moiety of the above amount was collected with a facility and promptitude seldom exceeded in any community.

From a Correspondent.

1835 – Oct – RICHMOND. List of Assigned Male Convicts made on the 7th October, 1835. Barsden, Joseph Henry, Bathurst, 1 shepherd.

1837 – Jan - RICHMOND.  J. H. Barsden, 3r 18p. Three roods and eighteen perches, parish of Ham Common, town of Richmond. Promised to him by Governor Macquarie in 1822, in lieu of certain lands situated at Parramatta, originally granted to him by Governor King.

1837 – Jan - NOTICE ONE POUND REWARD.  WHEREAS James Maynard, late of Bathurst,  deceased, did convey by his last Will and Testament, all his personal Estate to the undersigned,,  to be held by them in trust for the benefit of his Creditors and two Infant Children; ,and whereas his wife, Mary Ann Maynard, did feloniously take, convey, and drive away, from the Hereford Estate, one Horse and Cart, three Working Oxen, &c., without the advice or consent of the undersigned: Notice is  hereby given, that if any Person will inform Mr.John Trewren, at Bathurst, or Mr. J.H. Barsden, in  Sydney, where the said Property can be found, they will receive the above reward, and any Person purchasing the said Property will render themselves liable to a criminal prosecution for receiving the  same. There is a Warrant after the said Mary Ann Maynard.  Executors J.H. BARSDEN, JOHN TREWREN.

1837 – Oct - J. W. McGee, a ticket-of-leave man in  the employ of Mr. Barsden, was placed at the bar, under the following circumstances. Mr. Barsden keeps a store on the Roxburgh side of the river, and has for some time back, missed various articles of property from his store without being able to account for their disappearance. In consequence of suspicion that the prisoner  must be a party to the "weeding," on  Sunday morning last, he determined to watch him, and to this end he told prisoner that he was going to church. Mr. B. left home and walked up to the church, but returned by a different route, and contrived to enter the house and conceal himself in the parlour directly opposite the  store door, without the knowledge of the prisoner. 

Shortly after, he heard a noise of the box of the store lock being removed, and advancing to the door, saw the prisoner enter the store with a tin dish in his hand, which he laid on the counter.  He then lifted from a shelf, a bundle of prints ready packed for sale by auction on the following Wednesday, and whilst in the act of turning round to place them on the counter, he saw his master before him, fell on his knees and begged pardon. The box of the lock (which very unwisely had been put on so as to open on the outside) together with the screws and a knife, the handle of which was rolled with cloth for the purpose, were lying on the sofa. The prisoner on his way to gaol, admitted to the constable that he had removed the box of the lock, and said that he only intended to take some tea and sugar to his washer-woman. Mr. Barsden has been a looser to between 2 and £300 by this system of "weeding." Committed for trial.

1839 – Sep - Uruti No. 1 Block (J. H. Barsden), Bay of Islands District.  1839. 1 September. Bay of Islands District. This Deed conveying a piece or parcel of land situated at a place called Uruti in the Bay of Islands New Zealand from Two Native Chiefs known by the name of Pakera and Hongi-ieka to Joseph Henry Barsden this first day of Sept. in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine Sheweth that whereas the aforesaid two chiefs Pakera and Hongi Ieka doth rightfully possess according to the usages and customs of the native Inhabitants of New Zealand all that piece or parcel of land containing by a Boundaries. [25 acres.] rough calculation Twenty Five acres more or less the same lying and situated at Uruti bounded on the West by the late purchase of James Jones from Rawa and other Chiefs, on the South by a shallow Bay, on the East by a former purchase of J. H. Barsden from William Mahara, and on the East by the land of-Moko. The aforesaid two chiefs Pakira and Hongi ieka for and in consideration of the sum of twenty five pounds sterling to be paid in cash and goods the manufacture of Great Britain by the aforesaid J. H. Barsden to them jointly and the receipt for which is annexed both for themselves their heirs or successors or any other claimants whatever or whomsoever may at any future period lay any claim to the said land doth bargain sell and alienate all their several rights titles and interests in and to the aforesaid piece or parcel of Land at Uruti aforesaid to the said J. H. Barsden his heirs and assigns to be possessed and fully enjoyed by him or them peaceable for ever. And in Witness thereof the aforesaid two chiefs Pakera and Hongi ieka hath hereunto set their hands and seals this day and date above stated in the presence of us the undersigned.  Pakira his x mark. l.s.  Hongi ieka his x mark. l.s.  Witnesses—  (Sd.) Mene.  P. B. Perry.  G. W. Peat.  Bay of Islands.  Receipt. We the undersigned do hereby acknowledge to have received this day the sum of Twenty Five Pounds Sterling jointly in full payment for the piece or parcel of Land that PAGE 197 we have this day sold to Mr. J. H. Barsden the same as described on the other side of this Deed of Conveyance. Cash paid £14. The remainder in trade.  Pakira his x mark.  Hongi ieka his x mark.  Witness—  Mene.  P. B. Perry.  Geo. Peat.  True Copy.  Henry Kemp.

1842 – Land sold - Extract from Commissioners' Report. Transfer to B. E. Turner. A deed has been exhibited, transferring the portion of this land originally purchased by J. H. Barsden from him to the claimant (B. E. Turner), and its execution has been proved by Hugh McLiver.  Edward L. Godfrey, Commissioners. M. Richmond, Commissioners.  Auckland, 30th May, 1842. 

1842 - The Polynesian islands of Tahiti and Tahuata are declared a protectorate of France.

1846 – June - Leichhardt's second expedition, undertaken with a government grant and substantial private subscriptions, started in December 1846. J.H. Barsden is listed as a supporter.

The fateful Second Expedition - In 1848 Leichhardt set out again, hoping to cross the continent from east to west and then follow the coast down to Perth. Leichhardt is believed to have given his compass and thermometer to a friend in Port Stephens, New South Wales, before leaving for what, unbeknownst to him, would be his last expedition.

In early April 1848, the party headed inland from the Darling Downs and vanished. The expedition’s disappearance has been a mystery ever since.

Many theories seek to account for the disappearance of the party. The two most popular explanations are that the party perished in the desert or were attacked and killed by Aboriginal people, the latter thought to be the most likely.

In search of Leichhardt - Augustus Charles Gregory (1819-1905) was an experienced explorer, and later surveyor-general of Queensland. In 1855 he led an important scientific expedition to explore the north of Australia. Leaving Moreton Bay in August that year, his party of 18 men explored the Victoria, Elsey, Roper and Macarthur Rivers and discovered and named the Leichhardt River. They then returned to Brisbane by way of the Flinders, Burdekin, Fitzroy and Burnett Rivers, taking sixteen months to complete the expedition. Gregory was awarded the gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society for his efforts.

In 1858, Augustus Charles Gregory led another expedition for the New South Wales Government, hoping to unravel the mystery of what had happened to Leichhardt. In March, after several months of preparation, Gregory and his party of seven experienced bushmen and 40 horses, each carrying 150 lb (68 kg) of provisions, set out from an area near Ipswich. Upon reaching the Barcoo River in April, a tree marked ‘L’ by Leichhardt was discovered. Unfortunately, prevailing drought conditions ultimately forced Gregory’s party to abandon their search and travel to Adelaide.

The fate of Leichhardt was as much in doubt as ever.

1849 - Bathurst Advocate 20 May 1849 - The Ebenezer Mine on Grosvenor Farm. Some few months back a lad by the name of Ebenezer Read discovered a piece of quartz containing veins of lead on Grosvenor Farm, the property of Charles Suttor, Esq. This induced the lad's father to make further search on the range of hills where the quartz was found, and led to the discovery of a large strata of quartz richly impregnated with the above mineral. Mr. C. Suttor made the lad a small present, and gave the elder Read, and a son-in-law of Read's, named Howard, permission to work on the above-named strata for a term of three years. They sunk a shaft to the depth of 18 feet, but finding it too expensive for two individuals in their humble circumstances, they were for giving it up, when Mr. Suttor suggested to them, that, what they could not do individually might be effected by a company. He, at the same time, offered to give a lease of the land (280 acres) to a company for the term of 21 years, on condition that 10 per cent, of the ore obtained should be given him by way of rent for the said land. No sooner had the promise been made than twenty in- dividuals who reside in the neighbourhood entered most spiritedly into the speculation. A meeting was called the same evening, when Mr. Suttor kindly attended and again made the promise as stated above. A subscription list was made out, signed by 47 individuals, proposing to pay £1 deposit upon each of the £5 shares, on the 12th instant. That day arrived, and all came forward with their deposits. W. C. Suttor, Esq., was appointed Treasurer ; Mr. J. Read (an intelligent person) Secretary, and a Pro- visional Committee of ten shareholders were chosen ; two miners were immediately engaged at 30s. per week each, and set to the shaft already opened. Another meeting was called to take place on the 15th, when upwards of 50 individuals attended, increasing the list to 56 in number. Five directors were chosen, pro tem., and all agreed to a public meeting being held at Mrs. Black's Inn, Bathurst, at one o'clock, a.m., on the 24th instant, to consult Mr. Bligh for the purpose of drawing out the lease, and to appoint him Solicitor to the said company. It was agreed that the Company should consist of 500 shares of £5 each. From 50 to 100 shares are taken up, so that at the next meeting, to take place in Bathurst, the Company hopes that the townsfolks will unite with them, and endeavour to develop the hidden riches of our neighbouring hills. On Thursday, the 24th instant, a public meeting of the shareholders was held at Mrs. Black's Inn, pursuant to an advertisement which appeared in our columns of the 19th instant. The meeting was not very numerously attended, but there was nevertheless a very respectable body of share holders present. The meeting proceeded to the election of officers, and to the ratification of the former acts of the Company. Messrs. J. Suttor and Trewren were elected Trustees ; and Mr. Barsden, senr., Chairman ; Mr. Bligh, Solicitor, and Messrs. Howard, Barsden, senr., Franklin, Clapham, and Dalton, Directors. Charles Suttor, Esq., continues to act as Treasurer, and Mr. Read as Secretary to the Company. After the appointment of these officers a conversation occurred respecting the provisions of the lease, and it was finally agreed to have the lease prepared and ready for signature at the next meeting, to be held at Mrs. Black's Inn, on the 7th of June.

1849 – Founding Chairman of the Ebenezer Mining Company - Mining. - On Thursday, 24th, a meeting of the Ebenezer Mining Company was held at Mr Black's Inn ; the shareholders mustered strong on the occasion. The first business brought before them, after Mr. J. H. Barsden had been voted into the chair, was the naming a solicitor for the managing the law business of the company. Mr. J. W. Bligh was proposed, and without a dissentient voice returned. The next subject for consideration was the selecting of two individuals as trustees, to whom a lease of the land should be given in trust for the company : J. B. Suttor, Esq., and Mr. John Trewren, were proposed and accepted without opposition. A draft of the proposed lease was then read to the meeting, and rather a lengthened discussion took place on this subject, the shareholders supposing that the arrangements they had made with Mr. Suttor for the 280 acres of land for mining purposes gave them a right to erect huts for the miners and other requisite buildings.  Mr. Suttor entertained a different notion, and it was eventually arranged that the Company should have six acres of land for the purposes alluded to, paying therefor to Mr. Suttor an annual rent of £10, to commence from the 1st of January next. Some specimens of ore were produced at the meeting and inspected by those present, and appeared highly satisfactory, and the shareholders present appeared sanguine in their expectations of the successful result of the speculation. At a previous meeting, held at Mr. Suttor's, the following gentlemen were chosen directors Messrs. J. H. Barsden, Samuel Clapham, James Dalton,  John Franklin, and John Howard. At the  same time it was determined that the amount  of capital to be invested should be extended  by the issue of five hundred shares of £5 each,  instead of one hundred, as originally proposed.  Another meeting was then appointed to take  place, at Mrs. Black's Inn, on the 7th proximo,  at three pm when the lease should be executed. The meeting passed off with perfect harmony and good feeling, all present being most sanguine in expectation of success.

1849 – June EBENSEZER MINING COMPANY. Capital 2500, IN 500 SHARES OF £5 EACH. Directors :—  MR. J. H. BARSDEN  MR. JOHN HOWARD  MR. JAMES D ALTON  Mil. SAMUEL CLAPHAM  MR. JOHN FRANKLIN.  Trustees  —  JOHN BLIGH SUITOR, Esq.  MR. JOHN TREWREN.  Treasurer  —  THOMAS CHARLES SUTTOR, Esq.  Solicitor : —  j. W. BLIGH, Esq.  Secretary  —  MR. JAMES READ.  LEAD. SILVER, ANTIMONY, ARSENIC, and  SULPHUR, having been discovered on the Estate of T. C. Suttor, Esq. , about nine miles from Bathurst, application was made to Mr. T. C. Suttor to grant a company a part of the said estate for mining purposes, and which he has granted, by lease for 21 years, conditionally, that he receive 10 per cent, of all ores raised on the said land. The Company's Land to consist of 280 acres.  

The Lease secures to the Company a right of surface  land, and a right of and to water for washing, building,  and all other necessary purposes.  Mr. T. C. Suttor is to receive £10 per annum, from the  1st day of January, 1850, for right of roads, &c, Vc.  No shareholder will be allowed more than 10 shares in his or her name.  No shareholder to be entitled to more than one vote.  Any shareholder to be eligible for a Director.  A deposit of £1 per share to be put to the Secretary,  on application for such share, the rest as may be required,  by notice in The Bathurst Advocate. A month's notice  will be given, and each call will be £1; and in the event  of any call not being paid up within 11 days after the month's notice, such share shall be forfeited to the Company.  The Company shall be managed by five Directors.  No debts will be incurred beyond the amount of available assets ; hence, no shareholder will be liable beyond  the amount of his share or shares.  All letters to be pre-paid.  JAMES READ, Secretary.  FORM OF APPLICATION.  Request that you will allot me shares, of £5 each  in the above Company, and I hereby undertake to accept  the same, and have sent the deposit of £ I per share.  Name _________  Address _________  Date _________  Signature ________________  Direct, to the Directors, under cover to the Secretary,  Brucedale, Bathurst.

1849 – Aug - Original Correspondence. To the Editor of The Bathurst Advocate. Brucedale, August 6, 1849  Sir Permit me to contradict that part of your correspondent's report of the Ebenezer Mining Company, wherein I am made to say — "that if I had mismanaged the business of the Company during my directorship, I was willing to incur the expense of such mismanagement"  I did not express myself in any such way, not being conscious of ever mismanaging the business of the Company, or ever putting them to one farthing unnecessary expense. The principal reason I had for tendering my resignation was, in consequence of the unbusiness conduct of some of  the other directors, whose weak minds led them into controversies quite irrelevant to the business before them, when we met for the purpose of looking after the interest  of the Company.  J.H. BARSDEN.

1849 – September - Original Correspondence. To the Editor of the Bathurst Advocate. Brucedale, August 27th, 1849.  Sir, — 'Answer, a fool according- to his folly, lest he wise in his own conceit,' is a proverb of one of the wisest men, and occurred to my mind on reading that erudite epistle of your correspondent signed ' A Director,' in  your Advocate of the 25th instant, who, by the bye, is no  Director. He charges me with want of perspicuity in my letter, yet by his answering it for a certain pliable Director, he charges me with ignorance, and mismanagement. For the edification of this champion of the ' unbusiness like Director,' I copy the ninth clause of the Ebenezer Mining Company's Bye Laws, which is as follows: —  'There is to be five 'Directors, and three of which is to form a quorum, and all agreements made by those Directors, are to be binding on the Company,' agreeably to which, no agreement or hiring took place, nor were any moneys paid without the consent of three Directors and their signatures attached to the account sent in to the Secretary /and by him handed to the Treasurer before payment  could be made I will ask, in the name of common sense, how was it possible for me, singly, to mismanage the affairs of a company so constituted, unless the other Directors connived at it? which evidently was not the case, as  appears from the writer passing so high an encomium on them, he says — ' with respect to the other Directors, I am bound to declare, that they are all men of economy and good management.' The Shareholders did not entertain that opinion of two of these, whom they dismissed after the other three resigned. The writer slates, ' I gave £5 per week to two miners during my directorship, when tho work is now performed by four miners at .£3.' The fact is, the shaft was worked by four miners at £5 per fathom and not per week, and on the three new Directors being appointed, a new ground was entered on, and in consequence of its being softer, the same two miners undertook to sink at £3 per fathom, but now they are receiving £5 5s. per fathom, having arrived  on the same strata of hard metal as was in the shaft they abandoned. I am, sir, yours, &.c.  J. H. BARSDEN.

1849 – Oct - To Messrs. John Ford, Robert Grey and Others: Gentlemen, allow me thus publicly to return you my sincere thanks for the prompt manner in which you came forward on the morning of the 30th ult. and rescued my son's premises at Kelso from the devouring flames; the whole of which I am informed would have been consumed but for your well-timed exertions. I remain Gents, Yours very gratefully, JH Barsden;  Brucedale, Oct. 5th 1849. 

1851 – Feb - 12 February 1851 when Edward Hargreaves announced his discovery of payable gold. Bathurst became the commercial hub for the thousands of gold miners on their way to the diggings in the surrounding area. The population rapidly grew and the town expanded.

1851 – Sep - "The Australian Gold Finder's  Inn," Kelso.  J. H. BARSDEN begs to inform travellers and the public generally, that he has procured a license for the house known as the "Cottage of  Content," Kelso, lately occupied by Mr Freeman, which he purposes opening on Oct. 1st, under the  name of "The Australian Gold Finder's Inn"  Bush people will find it greatly to their advantage to make the Australian Gold Finders Inn their stopping place, as besides ample stabling which will be well supplied with fodder of every description, there are extensive grass paddocks attached to the premises, thus affording them an opportunity of either grazing or stall-feeding their  steeds.  Every care will be taken to provide Wines, Spirits, Ales, &c, &c, of the very best quality.  A substantial table will be kept, at which the best products of the season will be found, and it will be  the constant care of the proprietor to provide clean and comfortable beds ; in short, no pains will be  spared to contribute, as far as possible, to the comfort of his guests.  N.B. — A pair of adjusted gold scales with weights will be kept on the premises for the convenience of gold-diggers.  Kelso, Sept. 5th, 1851. 

1852 – April - MR. BARSDEN seconded the resolution and in doing so, took the opportunity of setting Mr. Austin and the meeting right upon one or two  matters of fact. No sum had ever been appropriated for the erection of a bridge at Bathurst. The foundation had been dug by convict labour, which had been transferred from Bathurst to the southern road by an order from home. Extensive preparations had been made for the  construction of a bridge, and a large quantity of timber had been drawn to the river banks, but was  subsequently removed.

1852 – May - LOSS OF LIFE FROM FLOODS. - Mr Barsden calls the attention of Mr. Murray to the following fact, and would be glad to know after he has  properly digested it, whether it is worthy to be used as an argument in favour of the erection of a bridge over the Macquarie. Since his (Mr. B's)  residence in this district, there have been twenty seven lives lost in attempting to cross the river  during the prevalence of the floods, besides several horse and bullock teams and saddle horses. The  reason why he would not build a bridge across the sea is the same why he would not erect a ladder to the moon - because he could not. If  people will cross the sea in pursuit of wealth and the furtherance of benevolent or scientific objects,  and thus brave the dangers of the deep, and if vain mortals will presume to scale the starry  heights in feats of munchausenism and thus place their necks in jeopardy, there is no help for it ;  they must bear the consequences in occasional loss of life &c., &c. But there exists a strong reason why people who have been assisted to fill  the revenue coffers with gold, and placing the means both of repairing roads and building bridges at their disposal, should not endanger  their lives in swimming floods in order that they may transact the ordinary business of existence.  Mr. Barsden hopes that in cracking this nut Mr. Murray will not smash his teeth. - Bathurst Free  Press, April 14.

1852 – Sept - THE MAIL ROBBERY. After about ten days' very tedious and protracted investigation, the case against Joseph Hudson, William White, James Goodwin, Bridget Hushan, and Ann Williamson, for being concerned in robbing the Sydney mail on the 18th of August, was closed by the committal of all the prisoners to the next assizes. 

The first of a numerous host of witnesses examined, was Chief Constable Sherman, who deposed that he proceeded to the house of the prisoner White, in consequence of a report having been conveyed to him that he had been called "a mail robber " in the public street. He searched him and found in his trousers pocket a book of new £1 notes, eighty in number, and seven £10 notes. When asked where he got them, he at first hesitated, but when he (Chief Constable) insisted upon  knowing, he (prisoner) replied that he had received about £100 from Mr. Morgan the publican, a short time previously. Leaving District Constable McFadden in charge of the prisoner he proceeded to Morgan's, from whom he learnt that he had got money. 

In answer to the question how he had become possessed of the remainder he remarked that he saved a considerable sum of money by driving the mail from Bathurst to the Turen, and expected to receive more from Mr. Rotton on the following day. After searching his house without finding anything he left the place, setting White at liberty. 

Having received further information, himself, District Constable McFadden, and Constable Finnetty, proceeded to the house of the prisoner, but finding no one in the place they spent the night in searching the town, and at last visited the house of the prisoner Goodwin, where they found White and the female prisoner Hushan, both of whom they apprehended. Upon the person of the male prisoner they got sixty pound notes in a book and seven £10 notes. 

In about an hour and a-half afterwards they returned to Goodwin's premises and asked the prisoner Goodwin if he had any money, when he produced five £1 notes all new, and an old £5 note, of which they, took possession, at the same time apprehending Goodwin, who remarked on the way to the watch-house, that he had taken it in the way of trade. The particulars of the above evidence were corroborated by Constable Finnerty, who further stated that they obtained information from James Flinn that he had received £2 10s in cash from Goodwin, the two notes being new. He refused to account for the five now and one old £5 not, although informed that if  he could do so satisfactorily he would be set at liberty. On the 1st September he (Finnerty)  watched the arrival of the mail from Sydney, and apprehended the prisoner Hudson, upon whom he found two new notes and a bank receipt. 

All, the £1 notes found on the various prisoners were new, and dated May 1st, 1852. Robert Forbes, of Sofala, was next called, who deposed that on the 16th ult. he delivered 154 ozs. 12 dwts. of gold at the Post Office, Sofala, the greater portion of which was scale gold, but mixed up with it were two parcels of amalgamated gold. Amongst it there was one small piece of an oval shape, a flat piece which had been slightly hammered after amalgamation and subjected to the action of acid, the latter two having been purchased by him from Mr. Layard, of Golden Point. There was also a  small piece amongst the amalgamated gold turned up at the end like a crotchet needle. Another small piece, amongst the scale gold, was thick in the middle, thin at each end, and had two holes in it— all of which peculiarities he remarked as he purchased the gold in different parcels. The piece like a crotchet needle was pointed out to him by the person from whom he had purchased one of the parcels of gold composing the mass. Raphael Tolano, storekeeper, of Bathurst, deposed that he had purchased 202 ozs. of gold from Mr. Morgan, publican, of Bathurst, on the 28th ult., at £2 4s. 6d. per ounce, which was 6d. an ounce over the Bathurst market prices at that time, and for which he paid £200 in £5 notes, £102 in £1 notes, some silver, and a cheque for £350. 100 of the £1 notes were new ones.  

The gold was in one large piece of chamois leather, and a small bag, when brought to him by  Mr. Morgan, but he (witness) subsequently divided it into two parcels, one of which was 128 ozs. and the other 74 ozs. On the same day he purchased 18 ozs. from other parties which he mixed with the smaller quantity. A day or two  afterwards Mr. Commissioner Green called at his place and asked for the gold. In compliance with his request he (witness) handed the larger parcel to him, which he took away, but subsequently returned, but this parcel and the smaller one were afterwards taken under a search warrant. In cross-examination by Mr. Serjeant, this witness stated that he had seen the pieces of gold, and had seen gold of a precisely similar  appearance amongst samples of gold which he had purchased and which he knew had not under-gone the process of amalgamation. 

J. Keesing was next called, and deposed that he was manager for Mr. Asher at Sofala. On the 16th of the previous month he had put 51 ozs. 10 dwts. of gold into the post office for transmission to Sydney, but could not identify any of it amongst the gold produced. Robert Forbes re-called — deposed that after looking more carefully through the pieces of gold picked out by him he perceived one which bore an impression of having been hammered on a circular weight, by which he could positively identify it as a portion of that which had been sent by the mail.  

Cross-examined for the defence — "Had not described this piece before seeing the gold." 

The mark drew his attention to it. Chief Constable Sherman recalled, deposed that from information received, he had visited the house of the prisoner Goodwin in company with constable Finnerty, and after taking up a number of bricks with which the kitchen floor was paved, found thirty new pound notes of consecutive numbers, wrapped up in a paper parcel. The female prisoner Williamson was in the house at the time. Another roll of notes had been found previously by Constable Finnerty in the  kitchen, and a bundle of skeleton keys. Constable Finnerty deposed that he had searched the kitchen of the prisoner Goodwin, and underneath the bricks of the fire-place he  found three £10 notes, six £5 notes, and six £2 notes, wrapped up in a piece of tin. Two of the notes were remarkable — one a £5 note on the  Bank of New South Wales, dated Nov. 1st., 1851, No. 6853, was endorsed " Essop, £13 0 0 " ; and  the other a £10 note of the Union Bank of Australia, dated 1st July, 1851, No. 4172, was endorsed "Mr. Gibson, who buys for Walker to  Skyd." 

He also found in the same place, under a brick, the bunch of skeleton keys produced. The fire-place did not appear as if it had lately held a fire, and the bricks bore no appearance of having lately been removed.  Edward M'Grath, Serjeant of the Mounted Police, deposed that he accompanied the prisoner Hudson on Saturday, the 4th instant, to his residence in Hartley, and upon their arrival that he asked his wife if she had " that money," to which she replied " yes." At his request she went into an adjoining room and brought out three rolls of notes — two containing £20 each, and the third £25 — all in pound notes of the Union Bank of Australia, Bathurst, and dated May 1st, 1852. 

The greater portion of the notes were of consecutive numbers. On the way to Hartley he had asked the prisoner (Hudson) whether the money was to be found on this or the other side of Hartley, and was informed, in answer to his question, that he had told his wife where to find the money, and that she would most probably have it in her possession. He said he had received the money from White on account of a debt due from White to him. Hudson stated to him several times on the road that he  had received no benefit from the robbery, and that he had refrained from informing of White's  connection with the robbery for fear of losing the money which he owed him. He furthermore stated, as another reason why he had not divulged the secret, that he was afraid that he might in consequence be attacked on future occasions, as he did not know White's accomplice except by sight.  

Henry Rotton deposed that the prisoner White had an arrangement with him to "horse" the coach from Bathurst to the Turon. To the best of his belief he was indebted to him (witness) to the extent of £60 to £100, and he did not think that White could suppose there was a balance in his favour. On the evening of the mail robbery he spoke to White about sending some one out to get the mail into Bathurst, which was  stuck at Howard's, when he replied that he would go himself in the morning, but he did not see him on that and the two or three following  days. Hudson was in charge of the bags as mailman on the day of the robbery. The mail had to be conveyed on horse-back on account of the state of the roads.  

George Ferguson, Accountant of the Bathurst branch of the Union Bank of Australia; deposed that new notes dated the 1st May, 1852, and numbered consecutively from 258,801 to 559,600 had been issued during the week ending August  28th. A cheque for £500 had been cashed by Mr. Morgan about the 26th or 27th of August, and 300 new notes in books, as issued by the  bank, were paid to him in three consecutive hundreds, besides a number of £20 notes. Mr. Cappes, postmaster of Sofala, proved the receipt of parcels of gold from Messrs. Forbes, and Keesing, on the 10th ult. 

William West deposed that he was mailman in the service of the prisoner White, and recollected bringing the mail bags from Sofala to Bathurst on the day previous to the robbery, and leaving the bags with the boatman whilst he returned with his horse and mail cart to Kelso, the height of the river preventing him from crossing.  On the following morning he was ordered by White to proceed to Howard's and assist the escort to Sofala, White stating that he would follow after, but he did not see him again until Wednesday morning. Neither White nor the female prisoner Hushan breakfasted with him (witness) on the morning of the robbery, according to their usual custom.  

Dr. Grey, of Sofala, identified a portion of the gold in one of the parcels as having been brought  to him by Mr. Layard, of Golden Point, and been operated upon chemically by himself to free  it from certain impurities. There were portions of gold in other parcels which he believed to have formed part of the gold placed in his hands  by Mr. Layard. Joseph Henry Barsden, of Kelso, deposed that he recollected the prisoner White and another man, whom he could not again recognize, being in Kelso about three o'clock of the afternoon of the 17th ult. White said he had been out to Howard's to send the mail on to Sofala. He appeared rather fatigued with walking, as also did his companion. He had an overcoat under his arm, which, from the manner in which he put it down between himself and the man who was with him, appeared to contain something heavy. He (witness) spoke to him about a man who was a coachman on the Sofala road having called about half an hour previously on his way to Bathurst for two horses, who had asked if White had been there, as he wanted to see him. 

To this remark White replied that he himself had only just returned from seeing the mail on. At that time he (witness) had not heard of the mail robbery. William Alexander deposed to having sold maize to the prisoner White, and received- in payment, on the 26th ult., £12, the price of 30  bushels. The money was paid by the female prisoner Hashan in a £10 bank of Australia note and two new pound notes. He delivered 36 bushels of maize a few days afterwards, for which he received another £10 note of the Union Bank, Bathurst, and five new ones, from the prisoner.  John Savary Rodd, Esq., also deposed to having received a £10 note of the Union Bank of  Australia, Bathurst, in payment for a horse which he had sold to White some time subsequent to  the mail robbery.  

James Flynn deposed that he had been in the habit of dealing with the prisoner White, who owed him about £50. He had also lent £3 to the  prisoner Goodwin, and had received £2 10s. from him in re-payment, the £2 being paid in new notes.  

Thomas Spencer, a groom in White's service, deposed that his master left the place about seven  o'clock on the morning of the mail robbery and did not return until half-past six or seven o'clock  in the evening. He had seen the prisoner Goodwin at White's house about a week before.  William Morgan, carrier, of Kelso, deposed that he saw the prisoners White and Goodwin, together at Mr. Barsden's public-house. 

They  came a-foot from the direction of the Turon. He thought the time was about 3 or 4 o'clock of the afternoon. Charles William Croaker deposed that the prisoner White purchased a horse and gig from him at a sale on the 26th ult., for which he paid  the sum of £8. Thus concluded the case for stealing the gold, &c. The female prisoners were allowed bail, themselves in £40 each, and two sureties each  in £20. 

Joseph Hudson was also admitted to bail, himself in the sum of £200, and two sureties in £100 each.  CHARGE OF RECEIVING STOLEN GOLD. — Mr. Morgan, publican, of Bathurst, was apprehended several days ago, on suspicion of having purchased the gold sold by him to Mr. Tolano, knowing the same to have been stolen from the Sydney mail, but was immediately admitted to bail. Several examinations have taken place, and he now stands remanded until Monday next for further evidence. His HONOR, in summing up the case to the Jury, commenced by commenting on the evidence of White, the approver, in reference to his visits to the Black Bull to see Captain Battye, and to White's denial that he had met Hudson there, and put it to the Jury that he could not see what motive White had in denying that the prisoner was there ; the circumstance of White and Hudson having been seen together before the robbery, could hardly raise any suspicion about their being seen together afterwards. It does not appear that Mr.

Rotten has contradicted Captain Battye.

Then, as to the accomplices; an accomplice comes before a Jury with great suspicion. If an accomplice is confirmed in some material points referring to the guilt of one or both prisoners, he may be believed, and though the Jury may convict on the uncorroborated evidence of an accomplice, they are advised not to do so. Every accomplice gives evidence to save himself, and the Crown is pledged in honour to release him. 

His Honour was of opinion that the property was properly laid in Forbes and Nash. If Goodwin was at the robbery by previous arrangement, lending his assistance in the robbery, it constituted him a

principal : and so with Hudson, if he was pretending to be robbed but assenting in what White was doing, he would be equally guilty with White. 

His HONOR then carefully put to the Jury the principal point in the evidence which confirmed the testimony of the accomplice. The Jury, after a short absence from Court, found both prisoners guilty. 

1853 – April - Stealing money.  David Clarke and George Morton were indicted for stealing certain monies above the value of £5 from the dwelling house of Mary McGrath, Innkeeper, at the Frying-pan Hut, on the 10th of April, and pleaded not guilty. The following witnesses were examined —  Constable Curl, Mary McGrath, Esther Parker, and Mr. J. H. Barsden ; and from their evidence it appeared that on the day named in the indictment, prisoners went to the house of Mrs. McGrath and ordered dinner, which was served to them in a room adjoining the bed-room where  the cash was kept — that while at dinner the door was shut — that after dinner they paid their bill  and went away— that about five minutes after their departure Mrs. Parker had occasion to go to  the cash box and found that it had been forced open and all the cash abstracted. Prisoners were  apprehended the next morning in bed at Mr. Barsden's house, and in a bundle which they claimed was found a quantity of money of the same description as that lost by Mrs. McGrath. They had also two pistols both loaded and capped, and a quantity of powder, balls, and caps ; and after they were taken to the watch-house, Mr. Barsden found a £2 note under Clarke's pillow. Prisoners protested their innocence, and said they had both arrived in the colony by the Cleopatra about seven months ago. Verdict— guilty. Sentence — 3 years' hard labour on the roads.  

1853 – Nov - A DELICATE IMPUTATATION AND ITS CONSEQUENCE.— Mr. George Bruen Barton bowed to the bench on Wednesday week as a sinner against the Vagrancy Act, in the form and manner hereafter described. It appears the miller of Winburndale and Mr. Trewren late pound keeper of Kelso, met at Mr. Barsden's tap, when from discussing the merits of his strong waters the argument took an unpleasant turn, Mr. Barton, with a pugnacious aspect politely, informing Mr. Trewren that he believed they were " two." Some further disputation ensued which wound up by the former grunting out in vinegar accents that the latter was a d___d  scoundrel and a rogue and had been robbing the public to his knowledge for the last seven years. As this sweeping denunciation, coming from an honest miller too, was uttered in the presence of strangers, Mr. Trewren very naturally took exception to it, the result of which was an information under the Vagrancy Act, and the appearance of Mr. Barton as defendant. In cross-examination Mr T. denied having either stated or insinuated that Mr. B. was a Winburndale horse thief, and deposed that the wordy attack was entirely unprovoked. The verdict guilty was pronounced against the aggressor who was fined in the sum of £3, and £1 16s. costs.

1854 – Jan - TROTTING MATCHES. — There is quite a furore for trotting and cricket matches in Bathurst just now and everybody accordingly feels himself in a humour to trot his horse against somebody else's  and to "do his share," as the Bathurst Bellman says, "towards keeping the pot a billing." Accordingly we hear of a match for £30 aside between Mr. Dunsfords' chestnut, and Mr. Woodgates's brown to come off on Monday next, distance from Mr. Barsden's Kelso to Mr. Roberts  New Inn, Green Swamp and back — about 22 miles, and a second one on the following Monday for the like amount, to start from the same place  to Mr. Durack's Meadow Flat. The results will be duly chronicled as they occur.

1854 – May - Joseph Barsden's application for a license for the Gold Digger's Retreat, Kelso, was postponed, in order to enable Mr. Richards, J.P. to file another objection, having been tricked as he stated out of the first. Mr Barsden, the present applicant, he said had called upon him and expressed his intention of withdrawing his application, and he (Mr. R.) was thus induced to withdraw his objection, but as the application was made he should move for a postponement and renew the objection. Application postponed.

1856 – Feb - TO THE ELECTORS OF THE  WESTERN BOUNDARIES.  GENTLEMEN,— In announcing myself as a candidate for the representation of your important Boroughs in the first Parliament of  New South Wales, I feel that, as my political opinions are well known to most of you, under  ordinary circumstances it would be scarcely necessary for me to trouble you with an exposition of them. But in the altered position of our affairs, through the operation of the new Constitution, by means of which a responsible Government, dependent for its existence upon Parliamentary majorities, must of necessity be immediately established, it is most desirable that every candidate should explicitly state the principles which will regulate his public life.  

To several provisions of the New Constitution I am opposed, and am prepared to support the question of its revision and amendment, with special reference to the nominee principle and to the un-English innovation which requires a majority of two-thirds is certain cases, and also to the imperfect and unfair represents given to tho colony by the Electoral Act. In reference to the great question of The Land, in connection with the claims of the pastoral interest on the one hand, and of the small farm interest on the other, I see but one line of action possible to an honest representative of the people. 

The vested rights of the squatters, secured by lease or other equivalent engagements, for which the public faith is pledged, must be respected; but this act of justice need not  interfere with the throwing open of a large portion of our vast territory to public competition, for settlement and sale. It appears to me absolutely necessary that extensive surveys of land in every district, where such public land is to be found, should be made, and remain for sale at a fixed price, as in the United States of America, that by this means the acquisition of land by the labouring classes might be facilitated, and the present obstacles and delays removed.  

The importance of extended Railway Communication, embracing all the great lines of  colonial transit, is obvious to all of us ; as these  great works will add ten-fold to the value of our  public lands, it is but natural and proper that  their cost should be paid out of the land fund; and if the direction of the main lines of road be wisely chosen, and the works be constructed with due regard to stability and economy, the  present generation may witness the extension of  this easy mode of transit through every district  of the colony. 

But while second to none in my appreciation of the economical, social, and moral advantages resulting from a complete Railway communication, I see great reason for the exercise on the part of your representatives of a careful and jealous watchfulness, lest those great undertakings should be rendered unnecessarily expensive, either by official mismanagement or any other species of dishonest judgement. I am also favourable to the resumption of Steam Communication with the Mother Country, and consider that any reasonable expenditure for this object would be amply repaid to the colony by the benefits to commerce  and social comfort arising out of a regular, speedy, and frequent means of correspondence with our friends and customers at home.  

I am firmly attached to the principles of a Free Trade Policy, in opposition... to all restriction and protective duties... While admitting the necessity of Customs duties for the sake of revenue, I am opposed to duties on the necessaries and comforts of life, such as tea and sugar. I am also of opinion that large reductions in the Expenditure might be made without  impairing the efficiency of our Government. It appears to me that the time has now come for the Government to be relieved from the charge of a multiplicity of matters of purely local interest, which in the mother country, are under the direction either of the municipalities of towns, or country boards; and until our Towns and Country Districts , are formed into Municipalities, with the requisite power of self-taxation and self-management of the crossroads, reservoirs for water, police, &'c, I despair of any rapid advancement of local improvements.  

To a system of National Education which would secure a secular instruction to all, and at  the same time afford every facility for the religious education of our youth, by the church, to which they belong, I am decidedly friendly believing the present systems to be needlessly expensive and inefficient. 

With respect to Religious Endowments, though friendly to the voluntary system, I am  of opinion that the time has not yet come for the withdrawal of grants to the various churches in  the colony, inasmuch as a large majority of our  population are opposed to any such change. This  important matter will no doubt be duly considered in the New Parliament, but any attempt  on the part of those opposed to the grants in  question to enforce their views on the Legislature would, l am persuaded, throw back the question  to another generation.  

I am Gentlemen,  Your obedient- servant,  JAMES BYRNES. -  Edgeworth Cottage, Parramatta.,  MR. BYRNES COMMITTEE: The following is a list of gentlemen who have consented to act as a working Committee for Mr. Byrnes:  Aarons J; JH Barsden etc etc

1856 – March Mr. W.H. Suttor's Election.  At a Public Meeting held at Mr Gray's, Wool Pack Inn, KeIso, on Tuesday, the 26th inst.  Henry Rolton, Esq , in the chair.  It was proposed by J S. Home, Esq and seconded by Daniel Kinns and carried unanimously that the following gentlemen be appointed a committee with power to add to their number for the purpose of securing W. H. Suttor Esq 's election for the Division of Roxburgh. Mr Henry Rolton, John Trewren,  J H Barsden; etc

1856 – May - THE AMERICAN BLIGHT.— We beg to call the attention of our horticultural readers, to Mr. Barsden's letter upon the American Blight in apple trees, in which, after a practical experience which has been uniformly attended with success, he strongly recommends the application of ordinary soap suds as a recipe. As this most destructive disease has now invaded every orchard in the district, and has materially reduced the fruit-bearing capabilities of the trees, the information is of considerable importance, and as observed by Mr Barsden the remedy is at once so simple and cheap that a second application of the soap suds on the washing day in a lavatory process is all that is required. We doubt not that the receipt will be almost universally adopted.

1857 – Sept - THROWN FROM A HORSE.- On Monday last as Mr. Barsden was riding along George-street his horse ' commenced buck-jumping, and threw him forward upon the ground with great violence.' The "enraged animal " also kicked him as he fell, thus inflicting additional injury.  Although much hurt we are glad to learn that Mr Barsden is not seriously injured, and that he will shortly  be able to resume his customary occupation.

1859 – June – Barsden Joseph H.—Appointed Bailiff District Court, Bathurst 758

1860 – Jan - THE LATE MR. FORD. — The remains of the late Mr. Ford were interred in the family vault in Kelso Churchyard, on Thursday last, in the presence of a very large concourse of sorrowing relations and friends, including  all the most respectable and oldest residents in the neighbourhood. When the mournful cortege had  formed, the mourners all left their horses and vehicles at the house of the deceased, and followed on foot. The body, on arriving at the Church, was taken into the sacred edifice, where the solemn service of the Anglican Church was read by the Rev. W. Lisle, and it was afterwards deposited in the family vault. The following gentlemen acted as pall bearers, Messrs. W. Lee, sen.,  T. Kite, sen., N. Read, J. H. Barsden, W. Morgan, and J. Dargin.

1861 – July - Public Notice  THE undersigned cautions all persons from trespassing on the Yarrows and the late Jerry's Estate, on the Winburndale Creek, near Bathurst, by depasturing Sheep, Cattle, or Horses thereon, or. cutting, and carting away; the  timber therefrom. If found so doing after this notice, the stock will be impounded, and wood cutters prosecuted- as - the ' law directs. The  tenants on the said land being the only parties allowed to do so.  J.H. BARSDEN, Bailiff. .  Kelso, 22nd July. 1861.

1862 – Sept – (Connection to Jonathan Green) Death - On the 24th of September, at Willow Springs, Fish River Creek, JONATHAN JOSEPH GREEN, fourth son of SPENCER HALL, and MARGARET JANE GREEN, and grandson of Mr. J. H. BARSDEN, of Poplar Cottage, Kelso, in the  thirteenth year of his age.

1862 – Dec – DIED At the residence of his parents, at Willow Springs, Fish River Creek, on Sunday morning, the 14th day of December instant, GEORGE SPENCER GREEN, the beloved son of Spencer Hall and Margaret Jane Green, and grandson to J. H. Barsden, of Poplar Cottage, Kelso, aged 22 years ; leaving a young wife and child to lament their loss.

Josephus Henry Barsden died on 27 August 1873 at the age of 74. Josephus and Mary Ann are buried at Holy Trinity Churchyard, Kelso.

Their Daughter, Mary Ann Smith (nee Barsden) married William Richard Smith, a son of Frances Green and John Smith.

Sources:

- The Sydney Gazette and NSW Advertiser, 3 March 1825, Page 4.

- St Johns Church Marriage Records, Parramatta, NSW, 14 August 1826.

- The Australian, 18 July 1827, Page 2.

- The Sydney Gazette and NSW Advertiser, 10 March 1829, Page 1.

- The Sydney Monitor, 6 December 1834, Page 2.

- Supreme Court of NSW, Forbes CJ, 4 August 1834.

- The Sydney Herald, 11 August 1834, Page 1.

- The Sydney Herald, 14 August 1834, Page 1.

- The Colonist, 1 January 1835, Page 7.

- The Sydney Monitor, 7 February 1835, Page 3.

- The Australian, 20 March 1835, Page 2.

- The Australian, 24 April 1835, Page 2.

- New South Wales Government Gazette, 4 November 1835, Page 786.

- The Sydney Herald, 31 December 1835, Page 1. 

- The Colonist, 12 January, 1837, Page 5.

- The Sydney Gazette and NSW Advertiser, 

- The Colonist, 5 October 1837, Page 8.

- The Sydney Monitor, 30 October 1837, Page 2.

- The Australian, 31 October 1837, Page 3.

- New Zealand Herald and Auckland Gazette, 4 September 1841, Page 1.

- Extract from Commissioners' Report. Transfer to B. E. Turner. A deed has been exhibited, transferring the portion of this land originally purchased by J. H. Barsden from him to the claimant (B. E. Turner), and its execution has been proved by Hugh McLiver. Edward L. Godfrey, Commissioners. M. Richmond, Commissioners.  Auckland, 30th May, 1842.

- The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 June 1846, Page 1.

- The Sydney Morning Herald, 30 May 1849, Page 3.

- The Peoples Advocate and NSW Vindicator, 2 June 1849, Page 4.

- Bathurst Advocate, 30 June 1849, Page 1.

- Bathurst Advocate, 11 August 1849, Page 3.

- Bathurst Advocate, 8 September 1849, Page 3.

- Bathurst Free Press, 13 October 1849, Page 5.

- Bathurst Free Press, 3 August 1850, Page 1.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 20 September 1851, Page 8.

- Empire, 30 December 1851, Page 3.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 10 April 1852, Page 2.

- Colonial Times, 4 May 1852, Page 2.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 1 May 1852, Page 2.

- Sydney Morning Herald, 23 June 1852, Page 4.

- The Peoples Advocate and NSW Vindicator, 11 September 1852, Page 7.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 18 September 1852, Page 3.

- The Sydney Morning Herald, 7 March 1853, Page 2.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 2 April 1853, Page 2.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 30 April 1853, Page 2.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 5 November 1853, Page 2.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 7 January 1854, Page 2.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 13 May 1854, Page 2.

- The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 March 1856, Page 3.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 23 February 1856, Page 4.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 17 May 1856, Page 2.

- The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 October 1857, Page 3.

- Empire, 12 November 1857, Page 2.

- NSW Government Gazette, 30 June 1859, Page i.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 14 January 1860, Page 2.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 24 July 1861, Page 3.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 27 September 1862, Page 2.

- Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 17 December 1862, Page 2.

- Sydney Morning Herald, 29 September 1868, Page 2.

- Bells Life in Sydney and Sporting Chronicle, 31 July 1869, Page 3.

- National Advocate, 10 May 1913, Page 7.

- The Bathurst Times, 23 August 1924, Page 1.

- ISBN 10: 1921019174  ISBN 13: 9781921019173 - An Early Colonial Hero: The amazing adventures of Josephus Henry Barsden by Grant William Rodwell, Synopsis: https://www.abebooks.com/9781921019173/Early-Colonial-Hero-amazing-adventures-1921019174/plp  About the Author: Grant Rodwell was a school principal in Tasmania (1980-87). From 1987 he has lectured, researched and held various administrative roles in Australian universities in Education and in Arts and Social Sciences. Holding five PhDs, he is currently an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at The University of Newcastle. 

- Governor King provided a house to the young JH Barsden who was educated by Mrs King. https://caseyandlowe.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/breaking_the_shackles.pdf

- Historical Records of Australia Series 1, Volume II, Page 532, 53

- Theatrical Art in Nineteenth-century Australia - Anita Callaway, Page 87.

- Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales  Joseph Henry Barsden - volume containing autobiographical account of events 1799-1816, compiled ca. 1836, diary Aug.-Nov. 1836, and financial accounts of the Kelso Inn, 1835-1836; together with transcriptions by Alan L. Brown, ca. 197- MLMSS 7279  

- Polynesian researches, during a residence of nearly six years in the South Sea Islands, including descriptions of the natural history and scenery of the Islands, with remarks on the history, mythology, traditions, government, arts, manners, and customs of the inhabitants  by Ellis, William, 1794-1872    Publication date 1829  Topics Ethnology  Publisher London : Fisher, Son, & Jackson  Collection europeanlibraries  Digitizing sponsor Google  Book from the collections of Oxford University  Language English  Volume 1  “Joe” is Josephus Henry Barsden. 

See how we grow over 11 generations since 1799: Sharpe Family Tree here

London - James Blackman b 1759 married Elizabeth Harley and they sailed to Sydney.    

Sydney - Their daughter Mary Ann Blackman b 1803 married Josephus Henry Barsden    

Bathurst - Their daughter Mary Ann Barsden b 1824 married William Richard Smith    

Essington - Their son William Henry Smith b 1840 married Emma Humphries   

Oberon - Their daughter Sara Rose Mary Smith b 1865 married George Bailey    

Sydney - Their son Victor Ernest Bailey b 1898 married Sylvia Olds    

Sydney - Their daughter Merle Winifred Bailey married Douglas Woodhouse Sharpe.   

Gosford - Their son Ronald Douglas Sharpe b 1950 married Caroline Curby    

Gosford - Their son Michael Douglas Sharpe married Elizabeth French and they have three children and two grandchildren.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.