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SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY.


VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.


[There is a touching interest in the following narrative of the surrender
of certain tribes of the aborigines of Van Diemen's Land to the British
authorities. Some time since a war of extermination was commenced against
them by the colonists; but, happily for humanity, this atrocious attack,
which future historians may varnish over with "civilization," was a signal
failure; and the poor, simple creatures were still left to enjoy the woods
and caves and painted skins of savage life; not, however, without having
fiercely retaliated upon the colonists for the cruel treatment which they
experienced.]

The Oyster Bay and Big River tribes, the most sanguinary in the island,
have surrendered themselves to Mr. Robinson, by whose conciliatory
intervention the desirable event has been mainly brought about. On the 7th
of January, Mr. Robinson made his triumphant entry into Hobart Town with
his party of blacks, amounting in all to forty. They walked very leisurely
along the road, followed by a large pack of dogs, and were received by the
inhabitants on their entry into town with the most lively curiosity and
delight. Soon after their arrival they walked up to the Government House,
and were introduced to his Excellency, and the interview that took place