Much of Bennelong’s life and career has been coloured by a single Sydney Gazette article that appeared on 9 January 1813 announcing his death. As an obituary it is both patronising and scathing. Its significance lies in its accessibility for later researchers.[1] Almost four years later the same newspaper printed a lengthy article by a correspondent using the name Atticus. This facetious piece attempted to draw a parallel between Bennelong and the Greek hero Theseus. The writer stated that Bennelong ‘was much addicted to spirit-drinking, and for the last five months of his life was seldom sober’. Where Atticus obtained this information is unclear, but given the nature of the article the information cannot be considered trustworthy.[2]
[1] Bennelong died on Sunday morning last at Kissing Point. Of this veteran champion of the native tribe little favourable can be said. His voyage to and benevolent treatment in Great Britain produced no change whatever in his manners and inclinations, which were naturally barbarous and ferocious. The principal officers of Government had for many years endeavoured, by the kindest of usage, to wean him from his original habits and draw him into a relish for civilised life; but every effort was in vain exerted and for the last few years he has been but little noticed. His propensity for drunkenness was inordinate; and when in that state he was insolent, menacing and overbearing. In fact, he was a thorough savage, not to be warped from the form and character that nature gave him by all the efforts that mankind could use. ( Sydney Gazette 9 January 1813)
[2] He was much addicted to spirit-drinking, and for the last five months of his life was seldom sober (‘Atticus’ in Sydney Gazette 29 March 1817: 2)