"AN ABORIGINAL "PRISONER"

Picton. "AN ABORIGINAL "PRISONER" ’ Sir,- In this day's issue you have a paragraph headed, "An Aboriginal Prisoner." I am in a position to give you the particulars of this poor girl's case, and I hope the exposition may be the means of rescuing her from the life of misery to which she has been brought back. She is the daughter of Mary and Charlie, blacks, who for many years lived in and about the village of Picton, but who for the last few months have laid in the churchyard. The parties who have this girl again in their possession, have had her as servant of all work, and as a common drudge for the last two or three years; but they have not treated her as a servant, or even slave, for they have never clothed the girl since they have had her, unless filthy rags - hardly, and not sufficient at times to cover her nakedness - can be called clothing. Several parties have wished to release this poor girl from her bondage, but have not liked to interfere. However, some, friends got the girl a good home in Sydney, and she went to it rejoicing, but her taskmasters discovering her absence, by some means got a warrant issued for her apprehension, for absenting herself from her hired service. The girl is about fourteen or fifteen years of age. Now, Sir, perhaps you can inform me of this: Who had the power to bind that girl to service, and to such a service as she is bound to. As for wages, or education and clothing in lieu of wages, they are all moonshine. She has been left as ragged in mind as her clothes have been on her poor body. Is there not some institution that can claim that poor orphan, or must she be a slave - and worse than a slave - in this land of freedom? If not soon released from her present, position she will, it is feared, release herself by joining the tribe of blacks at Burragorang. She is a quick witted, good tempered girl; and, as you remark, it was a humiliating sight to you to see that poor thing in custody, so it was much more so to us, who know the circumstances, to see that poor girl brought back to lead a life worse than a dog's. I sincerely trust this may open an avenue for her escape from misery. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, CRAMBELOUN. Picton, March 13. (Trove – Empire (Sdney, NSW: 1850-1875).