VPRS 4397 Unregistered Correspondence Regarding the Suspension of Charles Sievwright From Office of Assistant Protector of Aborgines, Western District (Refer to Microfilm Copy, VPRS 4467)

Full description

This series contains unregistered correspondence relating to the charges of immorality and misappropriation made against Assistant Protector Charles Sievewright. Sievewright was suspended from the office of Assistant Protector in mid 1842 on charges of misappropriation of government stores Although he was cleared of these charges by a Committee of Inquiry, he was never reinstated. Parallel with these official charges, charges of immoral behaviour were also made against Sievewright.

There are eleven items only in the series. The majority of the correspondence is addressed to C J LaTrobe, Superintendent of Port Phillip District, from George Robinson, William Lonsdale and Foster Fyans. All of these letters charge Sievewright with immoral conduct. The letters from Robinson and Lonsdale are marked confidential and are related to VPRS 20 Inward Registered Confidential Correspondence . The majority of the letters addressed to LaTrobe are copies (originals probably having been forwarded to the Colonial Secretary, Sydney). An original letter from Sievewright denying all charges of immoral conduct is included.

Also included are original letters regarding Alexander Davidson's (overseer at Mt Rouse Aboriginal Station) charges that Sievewright misappropriated government stores at Mt Rouse.

Researchers are advised that VPRS 10 Registered Correspondence Relating to Aboriginal Affairs and VPRS 19 Correspondence Inwards contain other correspondence relating to the charges made against Sievewright.