Motives for the kidnapping

‘Why were Bennelong and Colbey captured?’ is another way of asking, ‘What were the motives for their kidnapping?’. At first glance this might look like an act of cruelty similar to many other violent crimes committed against Aboriginal peoples in Colonial Australia. Or did the capture of these men serve a purpose? Was there a well-intended motive?

The only person in the colony who could have issued instructions for the capture of the Aboriginal men was Governor Arthur Phillip. As you read and listen to the statements of Bradley and Hunter are there any reasons given as to why the Governor might want to have the men kidnapped?

If you think there were legitimate motives, you have to ask yourself the question, ‘Were they good enough to justify the kidnapping of Bennelong and Colbey?’