Transcription Page 1

No 129/41
Police Office
Portland 31st May 1841

Sir,
In consequence of the murders
which are reported to be committed almost
daily by the Native Blacks, I have deemed
it my duty to proceed to the Plains which
appears to be the principle scene of their
outrages, to investigate some of these cases,
commencing with the murder of Mr. Morton
this man; & endeavour if possible to bring
the perpetrators to justice-

I forwarded all the prisoners under
committal by the Baujah Maiden to
Melbourne - and I intend leaving all
my constables under the orders of Mr
Edward Henty who has promised to
perform [crossed out: my ] duty for me during my absence

I will write to your Honor immediately
on my return to report the result of any
proceedings.

I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obt. Servt.
J Blair JP
Police Magistrate

His Honor
C. J. La Trobe Esqr.
&c

[Annotation: top]

No 41/830
9th June 1841
P. M. Portland
Notice of his projected
departure from Portland
in search of ye Natives
who have been accused of
Murder

Transcription Page 2

Portland
1st June 1841

My dear Sir,
I regret to say the murders of poor Mr. Morton & his
man, are reported to have been followed by three or four others
& as my hands are now free, my lock-up being empty & my
constables once more at their posts, I have determined to proceed
to the plains on Wednesday or thursday next, to investigate some
of these outrages & [inserted: endeavour to] bring the murders to justice -

I am aware I shall most probably have a few difficulties
to encounter - but I am sanguine - & I hope to be able to report
to you, the success of my undertaking on an early date

I suggested to Mr Robinson that he might confer a lasting
benefit on the District by using his influence to have the
murderers

His Honor
C. J. La Trobe Esqr.
&c &c