GOVERNMENT NOTICE.
No. 13.
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Nov. 26, 1830.

1. THE first series of operations for the Capture of the native Tribes having been now brought to a close by the march of the Military and Civil Parties to East Bay brought to a close by the march of the Military and Civil Parties to East Bay Neck, and as the length of time during which those composing the Volunteer Force have absented themselves from their homes, renders the Government unwilling to wish them to extend their period of service at this conjuncture, when to remain any longer in the Field would prove so detrimental to their private interest, they will now disperse and the assigned servants of Settlers who have not been able to be present themselves, will be marched back to their respective Districts under the charge of Constables appointed for that purpose, with the exception of a small body whom the Lieutenant Governor has judged it expedient to detain for the protection of the Settlements and the further pursuit of the Natives.
2. The Lieutenant Governor cannot allow the Forces to separate without observing that although the expedition has not been attended with the full success which was anticipated, but which could not be commanded, yet many benefits have resulted from it amongst which may be enumerated the cordial and unanimous feeling which has distinguished every class of the community in striving for the general good. The knowledge which has been acquired of the habits of the natives and which will so much tend to ensure success in future operations, the opening of communications throughout the country, which was before their secure retreat, but which can no longer afford them the same security or confidence, and above all the proof which has been given of the great personal sacrifice which the whole population were not only willing but most anxious to make for the purpose of capturing the savages, in order by their being placed in some situation where they could no longer inflict or receive injury, that the race might be preserved from utter extermination; an event fearfully to be apprehended so long as they continue to commit such wanton outrages upon the White inhabitants, and which every man of humanity and proper feeling, would endeavour to avert.
3. In touching upon the merits of the Individuals composing the Force, the Lieutenant Governor feels it difficult to attach to them the meed of praise which they have deserved, and when ALL have shewn so much alacrity, zeal, patience and determination to overcome every difficulty, it were invidious to extol any in particular, although it is quite impossible to avoid noticing the extraordinary exertions which have been so cheerfully afforded by the Surveyor General and every Officer of his Department. The conduct collectively of the whole Community on this occasion will be a lasting source of pleasure in the mind of the Lieutenant Governor but His Excellency will not fail to bear in rememb[e]rance the separate merits of each in the proportion which his exertions have proved him to possess.
In making this allusion to the conduct of the Civil Forces, the Lieutenant Governor has the satisfaction at the same time to observe, that the orderly and soldier-like behavour of the military, and the zeal and ability which their officers have displayed in organising and commanding the civil Levies, merit the highest encomiums.
The difficulties which the Forces have had to surmount in such an impervious country, as that which has latterly been the scene of their efforts, can only be understood by those who have seen it, and nothing but the excellent spirit of the parties could have enabled them to overcome so many obstacles.
4. The project of surrounding and driving the two worst Tribes of Natives to a particular quarter had succeeded to the fullest extent, and but for their untimely dispersion by a Party who too hastily attacked them before a sufficient Force could arrive to capture them, the whole measure would probably have been crowned with success.
5. The Lieutenant Governor has, however, the satisfaction of announcing on this occasion, that a body of Natives have been captured without bloodshed on the Northern Coast, where there exists every prospect of the remainder of that Tribe being secured.
The recent treachourous conduct of a party of Natives who had been received and treated with every species of kindness, but who endeavoured to repay their benefactors by murder and rapine, sufficiently demonstrates that it would be in vain to expect any reformation in these Savages while allowed to continue in their native habits. It will, therefore, become an immediate subject of anxious consideration with the Government, whether it is not proper to place those who are now secured, and who amount to about thirty, together with any others who may be captured, upon an Island from whence they cannot escape, but where they will be gradually induced to adopt the habits and feelings of civilized life.
6. The circumstances of the late Military movements not having been attended with the expected success, will not it is hoped cast any despondency upon the Public mind, for the activity and cordiality which have been recently shewn by the community, afford sufficient earnest that the evil which has afflicted the Colony, must in the course of this summer be removed. The most active measures will be continued for vigorously pursuing the object in view, but as the Lieutenant Governor feels a strong persuasion that there are white men amongst the Natives, His Excellency does not consider it prudent to detail any future operations in public Notices,
By His Excellency's Command,
J. BURNETT.