'The story of Richard Craig' by Mrs Kathleen Simpson, ca. 1984

MLMSS 4266

fonds

ca. 1984, photocopy of typescript 26 September 1965

923084

1 box of textual material - photocopy of typescript with manuscript annotations

Richard Craig, 1812-1855, was born in Ireland, His father William, 1772-1828, was sentenced in 1820 to seven years transportation. Although contrary to rules governing convict transportation, Richard sailed with his father to Sydney, N.S.W. as a free person. In 1825, William Craig was convicted of cattle stealing and his sentence of three years was served in the penal settlement of Port Macquarie, N.S.W. During this time, Richard came to know the surrounding countryside, made friends with the Aborigines and learned their language.
In 1828 both father and son were convicted of cattle stealing. William was sentenced to fourteen years on Norfolk Island and it is likely that he died there. Richard was sentenced to seven years in Moreton Bay, N.S.W. He escaped in 1830, lived with the Aborigines and explored the area. In 1831 he returned to Port Macquarie. His local knowledge helped the settlers to select pastures and new routes for trade. Richard was later pardoned on condition that he reveal his knowledge of the area. In later years, he was privately employed as a stockman and drover.
Richard discovered and made known the Clarence River and so inspired the development of the Clarence district, N.S.W.

Information transferred from Manuscripts Leaf Catalogue No. 1 (5-552 C) as part of the eRecords Project, 2010-2011

Keyword subject:
Pioneers -- New South Wales -- Port Macquarie
Convicts -- Queensland -- Moreton Bay
Criminals -- New South Wales -- 19th century