This shocking 1907 telegram was sent by a Charles Morgan to
Henry Prinsep, a man seemingly based 2200km away in
Perth who at the time was, surprisingly,
Chief Protector of Aborigines for Western Australia. Following the arrival of British settlers in the 18th century, Australia's
indigenous population were slowly faced with disease, loss of land,
stolen generations and
general violence. Sadly, the introduction of
arsenic to their water and flour supplies wasn't uncommon.
If anyone can enlighten me as to the specifics of this particular telegram, please do.
Transcript follows. Many thanks to Vivienne.
Transcript
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
POSTMASTER-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
20 JUL 07
TELEGRAM from Broome Station
Addressed to H. Princep Esq, prot. of aborigines
Send cask arsenic exterminate aborigines letter will follow
Chas Morgan
