Surname:
Bumblefoot (Devil Devil) (Indigenous)
Details:
Devil Devil alias Bumblefoot, an aboriginal black native, was next placed at the bar. Not understanding the English language, and no one being in attendance that could act a interpreter, it was found necessary to remand the prisoner. His Honor the Chief Justice observed, that it would be difficult to try a case like the present under Lord Ellenboroughs Act, but suggested the propriety of framing an information for an aggravated assault, which would be indictable at common law. The want of an interpreter is much needed, for justice cannot be said to have fair play between the European and the aborigine till their language is compreheded
Surname:
Bumblefoot (Devil Devil) (Indigenous)
Details:
In the beginning of September last, Jeremiah Buffy, Wilks, and a little girl (whose mother was an aborigine) left Newcastle to search for lost cattle; they met a black man, and having given favourable answers to their questions, regarding the cattle, he and they agreed, that the black should accompany them. The weather having become rainy, and the sun obscured, they lost themselves. The conduct of the black was now such as to excite suspicion, and Buffy spoke sharply to him; particularly on one occasion, when in pretending to lead them to a tract, he brought them to the place they had set out from; the little girl told them, moreover, that he intended some mischief, and that he was coo-ing for some of his tribe. The dogs caught a kangaroo, and Wilks ran to get hold of it. Buffy sat down, and the black sat with him; but how different the occupations of the two. While Buffy filled the pipe, that they had both shared, and were likely again to share, the black was whetting the tomahawk (avowedly for opossums), with which he purposed to destroy the man he had lived with on terms of fellowship. Availing himself of Wilks absence, he laid Buffy prostrate with the edge of the tomahawk, and proceeded to plunder them of their fire-arms and provisions. When Wilks returned he found Buffy insensible. After a time, however, he spoke, and telling them he was dying, insisted that Wilks and the faithful little girl should return to Newcastle, as they were in danger if they remained. Having washed him, they left him, conceiving that he could not live long. All this time the black hovered about them, and now and then having a loaded musket, threatened to shoot Wilks, if he did not go away; and actually threw the tomahawk at the girl. After remaining help-less, and without food for five days, it pleased Providence top reserve Buffy, by the instrumentality of two black boys and his dog. The boys were leading him to Newcastle when the people came in quest of him, expecting to find him a corpse. The wound was situated in the back of the neck, immediately under the head, and must have been effected by three strokes of the edge of the tomahawk, as it presented a gash extending from ear to ear, so that the head rested upon the breast. He is, I believe, doing well. The Magistrates at the Hawkesbury were apprized of the fact when it took place. It happened about 40 miles from Newcastle, and opposite to Moon Island. The barbarian had a de-formed foot; the toes being turned upon the instep; the name by which he is known is, Devil Devil. He spoke of Mr. Wiseman, on the Hawkesbury. Wilkes is now in Sydney; and the girl can be found, if wanted.
Surname:
Bumblefoot (Devil Devil) (Indigenous)
Source:
Colonial Secretarys Correspondence. Series: NRS 898; Reel or Fiche Numbers: Reels 6020-6040, 6070; Fiche 3260-3312
Details:
Bumblefoot found guilty of violent assault. Not Sentenced.
Surname:
Bumblefoot (Devil Devil) (Indigenous)
Source:
Colonial Secretarys Index Series: NRS 897; Reel or Fiche Numbers: Reels 6041-6064, 6071-6072
Details:
Correspondence from John Brabyn to Frederick Goulburn - I feel it incumbent on me to put you in reason of the cause which induced me to file an order for the five pounds for the apprehension of Devil Devil they are as follows viz.....When I was at the Farm of Mr. Hicks, I was there informed that Devil Devil had been in that neighbourhood and that he had knocked down a man with his tomahawk, stripped him of all his clothes and robbed him of a quantity of port and flour and left him for dead. That this being reported to the Commandant he had offered a reward of 5 pounds to any person who might bring Devil Devil in. That on my coming down the river to Newcastle in a boat with 5 others the discourse was generaly in Devil Devil 2 men that did not appear to me to belong to the boat said they knew his haunts at Broken Bay and that they intended to take him if possible..
Surname:
Bumblefoot (Indigenous)
Source:
A Key to the Structure of the Aboriginal Language in the Vicinity of Hunter River and Lake Macquarie ... By Lancelot Edward Threlkeld
Details:
{Extract}...A murderous black names Bumble foot from his infirmity, and Devil Devil from his propensities, had attempted to murder a European by chopping off the mans head with a tomahawk, and which he nearly effected ; the man recovered and I had to appear at a Court of Justice on the occasion; this displeased Bumble foot and he avowed openly, in their usual manner, that he would slay me at the first opportunity, in the bush; this came to the ears of McGill, who immediatley applied to me for the loan of a fowling piece to got and shoot that fellow for his threat, which was of course refused
Surname:
Devil Devil (alias Bumblefoot) (Indigenous)
Details:
Indicted for violent assault on Jeremiah Buffy
