The North Eastern Ensign at KellyGang 26/7/1872

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A CORROBORE AT FAITTHFULS CREEK

I have been resident in the locality of Shean's Gully for the last 12 years. I have often heard people talk about the corroborees which the blacks hold. I therefore .had a strong desire to see one. Fortunately, on the 17th of this month my desire was gratified. At the back of Mr Walsh's premises there is a small round hill, from which tile eye can command a view of the beautiful and well wooded valley which stretches away to the south as for as the Seven Creeks. On the night of the 17'th I was attracted by the report of several shouts, accompanied by hideous yells. Finding that the noise proceeded from tie hill alluded to, I sallied forth in quest of information as to the cause of the disturbance. Imagine my surprise when on reaching the summit of the hill I beheld before me displaying themselves in various positions upwards of a dozen fierce looking savages. Their fiery eyes seemed ready to start from their sockets, and their mouths were open in such a manner as to remind me of a crocodile catching a fly.  1 approached the band of performers, and saw that there were many among them who I had ,seen before.

The man who appeared to me to be the leader of the band was King Charley of the Wombat and his son, Prince Charles, on whose account the entertainment was given. Standing close to the fire was the tall figure of Sydney-road Jack, who appeared to be in earnest conversation with the keen but sly Warhawk. The latter did not seem to like the conversation, and he shut his eyes, a favourite habit with that worthy. Also near the fire, engaged in loading a gun, was a low-set  red-headed savage, whose sole delight is drinking brandy and swearing big oaths in good English. On the other side of tile fire sat several squalid looking savages, whilst resting himself upon a stone was the Bull Frog from the swamps of Faithful's Creek, who distinguished himself for his voracious conduct ,in connection with the slaughter of the ill-fated men from whom the creek has derived its name. Next to him, upon the left, was seated Looley of the Boundary, and on his right sat a black known as the Cripple. There were others of inferior note, but my space is limited, so I must be excused from giving their names and careers


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