hasDescriptionOfEventrosie-reynolds-massacre-connection/nmp-events-export-20260508193632/row-2484-eid-67911
... went on to Bathurst Bay, four of us landed to find water it being marked on the Chart and not being able to find any near the beach at Ninian Bay, we wanted to replenish our stock, had a narrow escape in this place by walking into an ambush of Blacks who sent a shower of spears amongst us before we saw them and then bolted. We fired a volley after them, no one hurt on either side this was the first sign of hostility they had shown us except taking a bucket of beef in Ninian Bay, the beef we did not mind but the bucket we required." (QSA847124 1884 Edward Downs diary of expedition, In letter 84/4335A, Colonial Secretarys Office In Letters, DR78007)