Journals of Two Expeditions of Discovery in North-West and Western Australia, Volume 2Grey, George
History
Journals of Two Expeditions of Discovery in North-West and Western Australia, Volume 2
Grey, George
Natural history -- Australia -- Western Australia; Western Australia -- Discovery and exploration
On approaching the point where Mulligo was lying, distant about a mile
from Perth, I found that my anticipations were correct. I fell in with
the encampment of the friends of a native named Bennyyowlee, of the
Tdondarup family. This native had signified his intention of asserting
his claims to the possession of one of these young women, and even some
of Miago's friends were disposed to favour him. Bennyyowlee was absent at
the Canning River with a party of natives for the purpose of procuring
spears, and thus preparing himself for coming events. His friends however
had constructed their huts within a few hundred yards of those of
Mulligo's relatives, so that in the event of the arrival of the
Murraymen, who they were apprehensive would make an attempt to carry off
Mulligo's wives, they might be able to assist Miago in his endeavours to
prevent such an outrage, whilst at the same time their proximity to his
party enabled them to see that no foul play took place.
As I passed them they endeavoured to impress upon my mind that one wife
was enough for Miago, and that if he surrendered the other to Bennyyowlee
they would assist him against the Murraymen. I however resolved not to
interfere in the business, and thus telling them I bent my steps to the
other encampment.
DYING SCENE IN HIS TENT.
On my arrival I found poor Mulligo sinking fast; his two wives and his
mother were watching by his side. He just recognised me, and faintly and
slowly said, "men-dyke boola nganya" (I am very ill.) The native women
near him were much alarmed because he could not swallow, and to support
him were slowly dropping water into his ear. His last moment was
evidently near at hand, and, after having felt his pulse and paid him a
few little attentions, which always gratify them much, I turned away to
examine the dispositions of the encampment.
I found that Miago's hut was close to Mulligo's, and he himself was
present, ready to assert his right to the wives of his dying brother
should anyone appear to dispute his claims; he was evidently well
supported, for the Nagarnook family mustered strong around his hut, and
the two half-brothers of one of the ladies in dispute were members of it.
Weyup, the half-brother of the other native girl, was also present, and
therefore evidently favoured Miago's cause. They were all in anxious
expectation of the return of Moorroongo, who had gone off with a party
for the purpose of cutting spears, with which the friends of his stepson
(Miago) might be able to act either offensively or defensively as
circumstances should require. As I conceived that there was every
possibility of Mulligo's having sufficient strength left to linger
through the night, and as the evening was fast closing in, after a little
casual conversation with the natives I returned home.
MOURNING WOMEN. THEIR SONGS AND CEREMONIES.
June 15.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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