The Rum Rebellion 2025: V1. Pemulwuy vs Macarthur

Illustration displayed shortly arrest of Bligh 26/1/1808, SLNSW

On Australia Day, the 26th January 1808 a Military Coup took place. The NSW ex-Marine Corp were cebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Colony at Sydney Cove/Warrang, when they arrested the Governor.
 

Engraving of Pimbloy(Pemulwuy). Published 1804? SLV

In January 1788 the first fleet, with its convict cargo, anchored in Botany Bay. The Bay had been recommended by Cook(possibly at Bank’s prompting) as suitable for a penal colony. In April 1770, Cook named the Bay after the abundance of Sting Rays he found there. But  changed his journal entry to Botany Bay.

The leadership, of the First Fleet, found the Bay unsuitable for settlement and, after further investigation, chose Port Jackson. Cook had also described the Port. Doctor John White’s journal1 notes, the alternate place was picked for its source of water. But maybe, no inhabitants were seen in the hot January Sun and the inhabitants may have thought the fleet had left. Inhabitants are noted crossing the Port at night.

Grant to Bligh in 1836, since 1995 part of Annandale. Digitised by SLNSW

Land Grants & Creeks from Mitchell Maps, SLNSW

White’s Journal records plants and animals like the ‘Great Brown King's Fisher’, now known as a Kookaburra, and a Seahorse. He also learnt about spearing (in favour of death penalties). In 1929 the Windsor and Richmond Gazette ran an article, which noted that White studied medical as well botanical usefulness. Further that he made use of his discoveries amongst his unfortunate patients. While White’s Journal was published, a manuscript and drawings, he sent to a botanist, was not.
The Austalian Dictionary of Biography dates Pemulway’s birth as 1750. It seems likely he  was aware of Cook’s ship and landing party. In May 1801, Governor King (Bligh’s predecessor) issued an order, to shoot Aborigines near Parramatta, Georges River and Prospect. In November, he outlawed Pemulwuy and offered a reward for his capture dead or alive. In June 1802, King covering letter to Banks said 'a terrible pest to the colony, he was a brave and independent character' and 'Understanding that the possession of a New Hollander's head is among the desiderata, I have put it in spirits and forwarded it''. With an inflicted Clubbed left foot, Pemulwuy may have been marked as a carradhy(clever man).
Convict Rachel Turner was assigned to White, as a housekeeper. But he was the father of her baby girl and boy. White returns to England, marries and has three other children.His son Andrew, with Rachel, also returns and joins the Royal Navy.