Governor Macquarie’s Proclamation Regarding Cessation of Hostilities with the Natives – Dated 1 November 1816

1. Whereas since the issuing of the Proclamation dated 20 July 1816, which it was deemed expedient to make in consequence of the murders and depredations committed by certain of the hostile natives in the interior of these settlements, several of those natives have been either killed or taken prisoners under the Authority of that Proclamation; and it being now hoped that the punishments inflicted and examples made have effected the desired object of deterring them from any further prosecution of such acts of violence and depredation on the persons and property of the settlers and their families; and that the adoption of conciliatory measures will produce in the said native tribes an inclination and resolution to avoid for the future a repetition of those barbarities and outrages; it is hereby publicly proclaimed, that such part of the said Proclamation of 20 July 1816, as proscribed certain guilty natives therein named, is hereby revoked and annulled; and that from and after the 8 November 1816, all hostile operations, military or other, against the said native tribes will cease and determine.

2. And whereas the ten natives proscribed in the Proclamation of 20 July 1816 it is hereby proclaimed and made known, that such of the said ten natives as have not been killed or apprehended under the authority of said Proclamation, and who shall surrender and give themselves up to a Magistrate, on or before 28 December 1816, will be forgiven and pardoned for their past offences, and taken under the protection of the British Government in this Colony, in common with those peaceful and unoffending natives who have so long enjoyed and are still under its favour and encouragement; but if the said proscribed natives do not avail themselves of the benefit of this Proclamation, by surrendering within the said limited time, or shall henceforth commit any act or acts of murder, violence or depredation on the persons or property of the settlers, then, and in such case, measures, more strong and effective than those hereby revoked, will be resorted to; and the most summary and condign punishment inflicted on those who shall hereafter disturb the public peace.

3. And whereas in the Proclamation of 4 May 1816, a General Friendly Meeting of the Natives was proposed to be held at the Market Place in Parramatta, on Saturday 18 December 1816, at ten o’clock in the forenoon; in pursuance of such Proclamation, the said proposed General Friendly Meeting of the natives is hereby invited at the time and place therein mentioned, at which meeting His Excellency the Governor will confer and advise with them on the Plan of Life they may be inclined to adopt for their own comfort and happiness, and they assured of being treated, on that occasion, with plentiful refreshments of meat and drink.

4. The Magistrates, and other Peace Officers throughout the settlements, are hereby enjoined to give every possible publicity to this Proclamation in their several districts, and exert themselves to make it perfectly understood by the natives to which it refers.

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