Walter Butler (c.1807-1870)- the life of a 'currency' lad born in the colony of NSW: Walter Butler- Ch. 11: Shipping Interests

During the thirteen years Walter lived in this growing community of Williamstown, he made many investments in a variety of businesses. In a speech related in a Hobart newspaper in 1856, he was described as independently wealthy with extensive business and property interests in Melbourne. One of those investments was in shipping.

There are several sources of information on ships of that period, including descriptions of the ships Walter Butler purchased:

1. SHIPPING RECORDS http://mariners.records.nsw.gov.au/1851/07/003red.htm

Source: State Records Authority of New South Wales: Shipping Master's Office;
CGS 13278, Passengers Arriving 1855 - 1922.

Source: State Records Authority of New South Wales: Shipping Master's Office;
Passengers Arriving 1826 - 1859; NRS13278, reel 1272.. Transcribed by Gloria Sheehan.

2.SHIPWRECKS OF VICTORIA http://oceans1.customer.netspace.net.au/vic-wrecks.html

3. FURNEAUX GROUP SHIPWRECKS http://oceans1.customer.netspace.net.au/furneaux-main.html

4.SHIPWRECKS OF TASMANIA http://oceans1.customer.netspace.net.au/tas-main.html

5. Marten A. Syme, Shipping Arrivals & Departures Victorian Ports Vol 2 1846-1855’, A Roebuck Book Pub 1987

& Graeme Bloxam, Shipping Arrivals & Departures Tasmania Vol III 1843-1850’, A Roebuck Boll pub 1998

WHALING

In 1844, 1845, and 1847, newspaper reports reveal that Walter was investing in whaling expeditions:

The Australian, Tues 27 August 1844 p4:

PORT PHILLIP

Whaling- We have had frequent occasions, from information received, to allude to the appearance of whales inside the Heads, and within the last fortnight three large ones have been observed spouting away in undisturbed security. Mr Walter Butler, of Williams Town, has manned two boats, and pulled away for the Heads, to try the effects of a harpoon or two, and establish, if possible, a whaling station.- Port Phillip Gazette, Aug 17.

The Geelong Advertiser, Thur 22 August 1844 p3
William'sTown- Mr Walter Butler of William'sTown, has at considerable expense fitted out a whaling party, consisting of three boats and eighteen men, old hands at the business. We sincerely hope Mr Butler's enterprising spirit will meet with success. The party left William's Town yesterday morning for cape Schank- Patriot.

The Launceston Examiner Sat 28 June 1845, p4:

New Whaling Station

Mr Walter Butler, of Williams Town, has at length completed his arrangements for establishing a whaling station at the Heads, so that he can take advantage of the present season, which has commenced at Portland Bay.

Mr Butler has engaged three boats, with full and able crews. We trust that our enterprising townsman will meet with the success he deserves- P.P. Standard.

Port Philip Patriot & Melbourne Advertiser Tues 5 August 1845 p2:
WHALING- Mr Walter Butler of William's Town, has at the heads, a whaling party, consisting of three boats, with their respective crews; no luck has yet befallen them, but the same disappointment appears to have been met with by the various parties upon the coast, the whales this season not visiting the bays in such numbers as heretofore. it is the intention of Mr Butler to dispatch a small craft with the boats into the Straits, to try their luck there, and we trust, not without success.

The Australian Sat 9 Aug 1845 p2:

PORT PHILLIP

The Emily, cutter for Western Port, takes down the harbour a strong reinforcement to the whaling party some time since set a going by Mr Walter Butler, of William’s Town- Melbourne Courier July 30.

The Morning Chronicle (Sydney) Sat 11 Oct 1845 p3

WHALING- Mr Walter Butler has broken up his whaling establishment at the Heads without having secured a single fish during the season. It has been remarked, upon the whole line of coast, where Bay whaling is carried on, that the fish have deserted it during the present season, attributable no doubt, in some degree, to their being harassed by the numerous parties engaged in the fishery. Mr Butler intends fitting out a schooner and trying his luck in the Straits, to make good, if possible, his losses at the Heads.

A Court case indicated that Walter and George Lovell had invested in the whaling expedition in 1845:

Argus, Thurs 15 May 1851 p2-

Supreme Court

Civil Sittings

Before His Honor the Resident Judge

Wednesday May 14

W. Lemore v. Butler and Another

Before the following Jury- Messrs Dalmaboy, Campbell, Condell, Beevor, and N, Craig.

This was an action of assumption to recover the sum of ₤20, for goods supplied by plaintiff to defendants.

Mr Stalwell appeared for the plaintiff and Mr Williams for the defendants.

It appeared that in 1845, defendants Butler and Lovell had joined together in fitting out a whaling expedition, and the present action was brought for the value of certain casks of beef supplied to the expedition. Some time back, plaintiff had spoken to Butler, about the amount, and Butler had told him that Lovell would be at his house in the course of the day, and he would settle the matter. Lovell afterwards saw the plaintiff and agreed to give him a promissory note at a short date for the amount. Lovell told Butler of this, and the latter said nothing expressly on the subject, but apparently seemed to acquiesce in the arrangement. This was the only evidence given in the case.

For the defence it was argued, that the mere semblance of an agreement was not sufficient evidence to bind Butler.

His Honor put it to the jury to say, whether there was any evidence of an admission by the defendants, since there was no proof of any delivery of the goods.

The Jury consulted briefly, and returned a verdict for the defendants.

Melbourne Argus, Tues 27 July 1847 p2-

Shipping Intelligence

Cleared Out

July 24- Mary, cutter, 56 tons, White master with a crew of 21 men, bound for the South Sea Fisheries, on an whaling expedition. In ballast.

Sailed- July 25, Mary, on a whaling trip.

The cutter Mary 56 tons sailed on Saturday on a whaling trip, having been fitted out by Mr Walter Butler of William’s Town for that purpose. Lady Bay in the vicinity of Wilson’s Promontory, is to be the head quarters of the party. The Mary is the first whaler out of the Port of Melbourne.

It is more than likely that there were other whaling expeditions not reported in the newspaper. He may have found the whaling expeditions financially beneficial enough to purchase the cutter ‘Mary’.

PURCHASE OF THE CUTTER "MARY":[i]

In 1848 (9 Sept), Walter and George Lovitt/Lovell bought the cutter ‘Mary’, used in the above whaling expedition. It had been built in Swan Bay Launceston in 1836. It measured 46 tons (sometimes described as 56 tons), 43’10” x 16’ x 7’7”. One voyage recorded in May 1849 from Circular Head (now Stanley) to Port Jackson, carrying potatoes, captain named as Brush. However, the ‘Mary’s’ usual master between 1848 and mid-1849 was a Captain Henry Noon, until he passed the captaincy over to Clement Powell the following year. There were many trips registered between Melbourne and Circular Head (now Stanley in Nth Tasmania), Captain named as Clement Powell in 1849 and every month in 1850. The ‘Mary’ had a regular run between Melbourne and Port Fairy, Warrnambool and Portland on the southern Victorian Coast, carrying passengers, potatoes, kangaroo skins, wheat, butter, sundries etc. In September 1850, the captain named as Robert McWhirter- in October, a trip to Emu Bay (Burnie, Tas). By January 1851, captain named Joseph Theobald.

Port Philip Gazette & Settlers Journal, Wed 11 October 1848 p2
October 9- 'Mary', cutter, for Port Fairy and Portland- 1 case sundries, 1 package ditto, 1 case glassware, 1 case currants, F.E.Beaver; half a ton of sugar, 4 hogsheads B.P. rum, 1 ditto brandy, 1 cask whiskey, 1 case gin, 1 bag sugar, 1 quarter-cask wine, 1 box currants, Walter Butler; and sundry goods.

In “The Maitland Mercury”, 28 April 1849, it was reported that coal had been found at Loutit Bay between Cape Otway and Port Phillip Bay, which was discovered by Captain Henry Noon of the ‘Mary’ on his voyage during the heavy gales in December. Captain Noon would also captain Walter’s second ship ‘Cecilia’ and his third ship, the ‘Red Rover’. In April (28^th) 1849, Noon once again captained the ‘Mary’, delivering packages of tallow, described as in unusual packaging being wrapped in the cows hide and shaped like the live beast.

The “Argus”, Tues 6 Feb 1849 p2, reported from Warrnambool: “Our gallant little trader the ‘Mary’ arrived here this week, bringing a more than usual compliment of passengers. Etc”

Whilst anchored at White Cliffs (Rye), the “Mary” was blown ashore in a gale and wrecked near Rye, Port Phillip in September 1853.[ii]

Walter’s partner George Lovett lived in Hobart Town. In 1844 he was living in Davey Street. In a court case in 1842 he disclosed he had been book keeper for a firm of ship owners since 1837. In 1849 he was appointed as Church warden for St George’s Church. In 1855 he was living in Montpellar Retreat Hobart Town. [iii]

A ‘cutter’ is described as a ‘sailing vessel with one mast, and at least two head-sails.

Cutter 'Thames' 1852- 38 ft

(Jonathon Davis Collection)

PURCHASE OF THE SCHOONER 'CECILIA'

In 1849 (15 June), Walter bought (outright) the schooner ‘Cecilia’, built in Balmain NSW in 1847, measuring 55 tons (or 45 tons- see below), 51.9’ x 16.1’ x 6.7’.
(Marten A. Syme, Shipping Arrivals & Departures Victorian Ports Vol 2 1846-1855’, A Roebuck Book Pub 1987

& Graeme Bloxam, Shipping Arrivals & Departures Tasmania Vol III 1843-1850’, A Roebuck Boll pub 1998)

Melbourne Daily News Tues 5 June 1849 p2:

A ‘schooner’ is described as a sailing vessel with two or more masts carrying fore-and-aft rig. In a two masted schooner the main-mast is aft of and taller than the fore-mast. In schooners of three or more masts, all the masts are usually of the same height. Square topsails may be carried on the fore-mast (a ‘topsail schooner’). Before 1900 the generic term ‘schooner’ usually implied the presence of square for-topsails, and vessels without were registered specifically as ‘fore-and-aft schooners.’ [iv]

Government Schooner Eliza c.1834-1843- 70 ft

(Archives Office Tasmania)

This schooner was 19’ longer than the ‘Cecilia’ and 9 ft longer than the ‘Red Rover’.

The 'Cecilia' also travelled between Circular Head , Hobart and Melbourne, and also the run along the Victorian coast, under captain Henry Noon, while Captain Clement Powell took over sailing the ‘Mary’, until September 1850 when Noon took over the ‘Red Rover’, Powell took over the ‘Cecilia’ and Joseph Theobald took over the ‘Mary’.

The Argus, Fri 6 July 1849 p2 reported:

“Our old friend Captain Noon, made his appearance in his new schooner the ‘Cecilia’ on Monday, having left Melbourne Heads on Saturday afternoon, he arrived in Portland at daybreak on Monday, landed some passengers, and was here in the afternoon. He speaks highly of the sailing qualities of his new vessel, and from her appearance we should say she is worthy of the good name he gives her.”

One shipping report in January 1850 described the ‘Cecilia’s’ cargo from Warrnambool as:

2 casks tallow, 3 ditto butter, 13 hides, 2 dozen reaping hooks J.E. Beaver; 8 casks butter, 168 cheeses, 1 bale kangaroo skins, Rucker; 10 bags meal, Alison & Knight; 50 tons flour, Galgety, Gore and Co.; 20 tons flour, McDonald.

Another voyage reported 6 cabin passengers and 12 in steerage. These were typical of the types of cargo carried by these trading vessels belonging to Walter.

Captain Noon was a highly respected mariner in Victoria, and had a very long business association with Walter. He would be master of all three of Walter’s vessels.

As Captain of the ‘Mary’ Noon had received an honour:

Argus Tues 6 Feb 1849 p2-

Warnambool

I see by the Melbourne papers, that Captain Noon, has been presented with a quadrant, as a token for his services while in the present trade, and he certainly deserves it , for a more active seaman, or a better hearted soul, there is not on the coast, and I am happy to see that he has met with his reward.

Once again, as Captain of the ‘Cecilia’ he was honoured:

The Argus, Fri 4 Jan 1850 reported:

The ‘Cecilia’ schooner arrived in Portland Bay on Friday forenoon, from Melbourne via Warrnambool and Belfast, carrying a new ___. On enquiry we found that Captain Noon, on his recent trip to Warrnambool, had been invested with the insignia, by way of constituting him Commodore at that port. During his stay there a public meeting of the inhabitants took place at the hotel kept by Messrs Craig and Nicol; W. McDowell, Esq. in the chair, who was supported by the most respectable individuals on his right and left, when an unanimous vote was passed that Captain H. Noon should be recognised as the Commodore of their prosperous port. A beautiful scarlet flag, having a white ball in the centre, the whole surrounded with a green border, made by the ladies residing in and around the township, was presented to him on the same occasion. The distinguished mark of respect thus shown to Capt. Noon was appropriately acknowledged, who took immediate steps to hoist his flag, and exercise his authority. Captain Noon explained to us that he hoisted his flag both in Belfast and Portland, on the first day of his arrival in these respective ports, in honour of his new appointment, but it is not his intention to continue to do so.

The ‘Cecilia’ was sold to Sydney William Nicholas of Hobart in November 1850, and was involved in the timber trade from Wilson’s Promontory in the 1850’s. (It was lost in New Zealand waters in 1864.)

PURCHASE OF THE SCHOONER 'RED ROVER'

(Marten A. Syme, Shipping Arrivals & Departures Victorian Ports Vol 2 1846-1855’, A Roebuck Book Pub 1987

& Graeme Bloxam, Shipping Arrivals & Departures Tasmania Vol III 1843-1850’, A Roebuck Boll pub 1998)

A few months before the sale of the ‘Cecilia’, Walter bought another schooner, the ‘Red Rover’ (22 July 1850), described as 65 tons, 61’x17.8’ x 9.5’; built at Exeter on the Tamar River near Launceston in 1849. Captain Henry Noon became master of this vessel. It did a roaring trade, with hundreds of entries in the newspaper shipping reports. Before Walter bought the ship, it made regular voyages between Melbourne and Launceston. After he bought it, it sailed further a-field in the colony. Not only did it carry passengers, cabin and steerage, but also sundry articles, such as liquor, fruit, cigars, beef, barley, tar pitch, tallow etc. One cargo reported in the ‘Courier’ 25 Oct 1853 p2, Hobart to Melbourne, contained 30,000 ft timber, 1000 posts and rails, 20,000 shingles, 5000 palings, 10 tons hay, 15 bags potatoes, 2 trunks American clocks etc. and the agent named was Toby and Park- ie Charles Toby, who would have a long association with Walter. The ‘Red Rover’ even sailed to Sydney, one report, arriving 3 July 1851 from Port Fairy to Sydney with 6 cabin passengers and 30 in steerage. It left Sydney 26 July for Geelong carrying 13 passengers, 15 bags maize, 1 keg butter, Chapman & Co; 62 bags maize, Monteflore, Graham & Co.; 1000 cedar, 36 boxes oranges, 1 cart, 30 tons coals, H. Noon; 300 bushels maize, E. M. Sayers; and 200 boards R. How & Co. It was recorded in Sydney once again 23 March 1853. On occasions, the ships were chartered to carry prisoners and their supervising constable/ guard.

Walter was praised in the local newspapers about this new ship;

Argus, Sat 21 Sept 1850 p4-

The Red Rover arrived here yesterday from Melbourne sailing into the Bay in beautiful style. She will form a splendid addition to our liners(?), and the greatest praise is due to the owner, Mr Butler, for his spirited exertions in so far meeting the wishes of shippers from Warnambool, Belfast and Portland.

The weather in this quarter has been dreadfully strong for the last two days. The wind commenced blowing from the southward on Saturday working round to the south-east, from which point a perfect hurricane has kept up since yesterday forenoon. It is with extreme regret I tell you that the schooner Enterprise, Captain Caught is now lying on the Warnambool beach- thanks to our Bay, however, not a total wreck. etc

The Red Rover has ridden out the gale in perfect safety, although a much larger vessel than the Enterprise. The wind is at present lulling and to-morrow no doubt will be a calm day- so much the better for the Enterprise

Tuesday evening 16^th Sept 1850

Argus Fri 19 Sep 1851 p2

Shipping Intelligence

The Red Rover- This smart little vessel returned to Port yesterday from stress of weather, having been obliged to run into Loutit Bay three times for shelter. On Sunday the 13^th instant, she was within six miles of Warrnambool, but was driven away by contrary winds. The passengers by her state, that she proved herself a splendid sea-boat in the terrific gales she encountered; and great praise is due to Captain Noon for the energy and perseverance he displayed in endeavouring to make his passage to the westward, as well as for his kind attention to their comforts.

It would appear from the above reports that the “Red Rover” was an excellent sailing ship with the qualities needed to cope with the wild weather often encountered in this area.

In January 1852, Walter lost the services of Captain Henry Noon, and after a couple of interim masters, James Reardon was appointed as captain in March 1852.

The Colonial Times (Thurs 28 July 1853 p2),

Shipping Intelligence,

announced July 25- Red Rover, schooner, 65 tons, J Reardon, master, from Melbourne, 12^th inst. No passengers, In ballast. Butler, agent.

In April 1854, the captain was named as Capt H. Lawler.

The ‘Red Rover’ was involved in 1854 in a rescue, reported in the newspapers. The barque ‘Berwick Castle’, 342 tons, was sailing from Hobart to Melbourne with a cargo of timber, and was wrecked during a gale on Moriarty’s Bank off Clarke Island, Furneaux Group, 26^th Feb 1854, and all hands were rescued by the ‘Red Rover’.[v]

Not long after this incident, Walter sold the ‘Red Rover’ in July 1854.

The Colonial Times Tues 28 February 1854 p1

For Sale, Freight of Charter- The well-known Schooner RED ROVER, 90 tons burthen.

Apply to WALTER BUTLER, Colonial Times Office.

In turn, the ‘Red Rover’ was wrecked ashore during a thick fog, on Cape Barren Island, Furneaux Group, 8 Sept 1855 (within 24 hours of the loss of the barque Belle Creole nearby). The captain and crew of six reached Swan Island, from where they were soon picked up by the schooner ‘Euphemia’ and landed at Hobart. They were on their way to Warrnambool, out of Hobart, with timber. The Cape Barren Island and the Furneaux Group of islands would become renowned as a graveyard for ships. Walter’s brother-in-law, John C. Macdougall, also lost a schooner, the ‘Defiance’, in 1833, wrecked on Cape Barren Island. She drifted ashore in heavy weather, wrecked, on Cape Barren Island opposite Gull Island, Furneaux Group, 27 July 1833. All saved. She had been charted by Captain Muggridge of the brig Courier to salvage the cargo of the brig wrecked on Gull Island, Furneaux Group, 4 July 1833. [vi]

Schooner 'Flying Fish' 1843- 83ft

(Maritime Museum Tasmania)

COURT CASE

Walter’s relationship with Captain Clement Powell would turn sour in 1851. Their business association began in September 1849 when he took over as master of the ‘Mary’, and as master of the ‘Cecilia’ in September 1850 which ended in November 1850 when it was sold. The following court case was reported in the “Argus:

Argus Wed 14 May 1851 p2

Supreme Court

Civil Sittings

Before the following Jury- Messrs Burnley, Bryant, Broadfott, and Beaver.

Powell v. Butler

This was an action of assumpsit to receive the balance of an account due for wages, and for money advanced by plaintiff on account of defendant. Defendant had pleaded payment and set-off.

Mr Stawell appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Williams for the defendant.

The account in the present instance had commenced in the middle of the year 1849, and extended to January 1851, when the plaintiff left defendant’s employ. He had been engaged by defendant at the first period as master of the Mary, cutter, and afterwards as master of the Cecilia, schooner, at the monthly wages of ₤4 10s. He had also been authorised by defendant to pay the wages of the men, to purchase certain articles on account of the defendant, as freight for the vessel, such as paling &c, and also to pay all the necessary outlay of the vessel in the shape of harbour dues &c. It was to recover the balance due to him on the amounts so paid that the present action was brought.

The case had not been concluded when the Court rose.

Argus Thurs 15 May 1851 p2-

Supreme Court

Civil Sittings

Before His Honor the Resident Judge

Wednesday May 14

Powell v. Butler

In this case a verdict was returned for the plaintiff, damages ₤17. 14s

Argus Fri 4 July 1851- p1

Supreme Court Thurs 3 July

Powell v, Butler

Before his Honor Mr Justice A. Beckett.

In Banco

Powell v. Butler

Judgement was delivered in this case by his Honor, who decided that the rule nisi applied for by Mr Stawell, should be discharged.

This bitterness may have resulted after Powell lost his position as ship’s master following the sale of the ‘Cecilia’ in November 1850. Another master, Robert McWhirter had been hired as captain of the ‘Mary’ in August 1850, when Powell transferred to the ‘Cecilia’. McWhirter handed over the helm of the ‘Mary’ to Joseph Theobald in January 1851.

OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS- IMPORTING TIMBER

The Court case above stated that Powell had been authorised “ to purchase certain articles on account of the defendant, as freight for the vessel, such as paling &c,”. Another shipping record had:

Argus Mon 4 Feb 1850 p2-

Shipping Intelligence: Imports Feb 1- Mary from Circular Head- 10,000 paling Butler

This may indicate that Walter was also into the timber importing business.

He certainly visited Circular Head on other occasions:

Argus Wed 17 July 1850 p2

Shipping Intelligence

Cleared Out

July 18, Mary, cutter, 56 tons C. Powell master, for Circular Head, in Ballast.

Passengers Mr Webb, Mr W. Butler

contact butler1802 @hotmail.com (no spaces)

Link back to Introduction chapter:
http://butlerfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/walter-butler-introduction.html

[i] Graeme Broxam, Shipping Arrivals and Departures, Tasmania, Volume III, 1843-1850, Navarine Publishing (Roebuck), ACT, 1998;

Marten A. Syme, Shipping Arrivals & Departures Victorian Ports Vol 2 1846-1855, A Roebuck Book Pub 1987;

Website- Encyclopedia of Australian Shipwrecks: http://oceans.customer.netspace.net.au/furneaux-main.html

[ii] Shipwrecks of Victoria, http://oceans1.customer.netspace.net.au/vic-wrecks.html

[iii] Refs to George Lovitt found in National Library of Australia newspapers online- The Courier (Hobart) 25 Mar 1842 p4; 12 Nov 1844 p2; 3 Jan 1849 p2; 19 Feb 1855 p2.

[iv] Graeme Broxam, Shipping Arrivals and Departures, Tasmania, Volume III, 1843-1850, Navarine Publishing (Roebuck), ACT, 1998; Glossary

[v] The Courier (Hobart), Sat 4 March 1854 page 2

[vi] Encyclopedia of Australian Shipwrecks: http://oceans.customer.netspace.net.au/furneaux-main.html

Shipwrecks of Victoria, http://oceans1.customer.netspace.net.au/vic-wrecks.html ; The Courier (Hobart) Mon 17 Sept 1855 page 2

Wednesday, 22 August 2012

Walter Butler- Ch. 11: Shipping Interests