Thomas William Johnson, Convict "Asia" 1823

Son-in-law of Margaret Briggs.

The Cornwall Chronicle (Launceston Tas) Wed 20 Oct 1847; Country Intelligence, (Westbury):

INQUEST.

AN inquest was held, by J. P. Jones, Esq., the Coroner, on Wednesday last, the 13th instant, at Dunorlan, about 17 miles from hence, on view of the body of Margaret Briggs — known also by the name of "Granny" — who was found dead in her bed, on the night of the 11th.

Deceased was an aboriginal native, about 70 years of age; was brought from Flinder's Island some years ago by Captain Moriarty, and has since, to the period of her death, resided on the farm of her son-in-law, Mr. Johnson; she was accustomed to sleep on the floor, and always before the fire.

On Monday night, about 12 o'clock, Mr. J., as usual, visited her, for the purpose of seeing to the fire, when he discovered that life had departed. Dr. McReddy, who made a post mortem examination of the body, testified his opinion that death had occurred from disease of the lungs; there were no external marks on the body, except that the front of the thighs and back were scored down, supposed to have been done as a mark of distinction when deceased was living in the wild state. The jury returned a verdict, that death arose from natural causes.

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It appears that Thomas Johnson and Dalrymple Briggs married not long after the attack recorded on their house:

The Independent (Launceston Tas) Sat 5 Nov 1831; Church Candle Ends (part article):

—One day last week Miss Dalrymple Briggs, one of whose parents had the honor to be an Opossom eater, whose native land we presume to be one of the Islands in the Straits; and of whom for having defended a stock hut from the attacks of a party of Natives such honorable mention was made by Captain Moriarty in his letter to the Governor, was conducted to the Hymeneal Temple by the Stock-keeper, who had so opportunely come to her assistance.

Well! so-far so good. But we have something to add still better. It is understood that the Lieutenant Governor has inconsequence, with true discrimination and consistent generosity, granted the Bridegroom an Emancipation and ten acres of land at any spot he may select!

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The following article of the attack is copied in full on the profile page of Dalrymple Briggs:

The Independent (Launceston Tas) Sat 24 Sep 1831

GOVERNMENT NOTICE Colonial Secretary's Office, Sept. 22, 1831.

HIS Excellency the Lieutenant Governor though still most desirous that every possible means should be pursued and persevered in to conciliate the Aborigines, being fully aware of the disastrous consequences which in many instances have ensued, from the apprehension usually manifested on the approach of the Natives, has directed the following letter from Captain Moriarty, J. P., detailing the successful resistance of a single Female to their attacks to be published, in order to shew how easily these wretched people may be intimidated and driven off, when they are opposed with coolness, presence of mind, and determined resolution.

Dunorlan, August 25,1831.

SIR:- I have the honour to acquaint you for His Excellency's information, that an Aboriginal tribe attacked the stock hut of Mr. Stocker, on Monday the 22nd instant and speared a female child five years of age ; (snip)

There was no person in the hut when the natives first appeared, but a woman named Dalrymple Briggs with her two female children, who hearing some little noise outside, sent the elder child to see what was the matter, and hearing her shriek, went out herself with a musket; on reaching the door she found the poor child had been speared ; the spear entered close up in the inner part of the thigh, and had been driven so far through as to create a momentary difficulty in curing the child from its catching against either door post; having effected this object, she barricaded the door and windows, and availed herself of every opportunity to fire at the assailants, but they kept very close, either to the chimney, or the stumps around the hut, and she had nothing but she did hit one of them.

Their plan was evidently to pull down the chimney and thus effect an entrance, but they were intimidated by her resolution. Finding this fail, they went off and returned again in about an hour; this interval had been employed by them in procuring materials and forming faggots, which on their return, they kept lighting and throwing on the roof (to windward) with a view to burn her out; she however shook them off as fast as they threw them on, and maintained her position with admirable composure, till the return of Thomas Johnson, the stock-keeper pointed out to them the necessity of a retreat.

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