Dear Simpson

I have been out a week on my present
trip, & on my arrival here this morning found the encampment
of the persons connected with Mr Fawkner – they are within
the limits of our domain – and a man of the name of
Aitkins who has been here & returned intend coming again
immediately and also to squat upon it – Now some means should
be taken to convince them of the impropriety of the steps they
have taken – and I think a meeting of the proprietors should be
held for the purpose of considering the best steps to be taken –
I think it would be as well to offer them our assistance in
negotiating a treaty with the natives, on the condition of
non interference on their part – Mr Batman from the instructions
he has given his brother is an advocate for using force, or instigating
the Natives to molest them – I have written to him strongly
dissuading him from this & pointing out the impolicy of such
steps as far as our interests are concerned – For in the event
of the parties getting to blows it would afford the Government
a pretext for not complying with our application – and if
the Natives are set on there is no knowing the extent of
bloodshed that might follow – and the first time they took
offence at us, or our Servants they would probably turn the
power they had been taught to wield against ourselves – Enforce
this on the Proprietors – Gellibrand can persuade B to any
course – I have hitherto directed my attention to the West,
and have examined a considerable extent – I found four new
Rivers and a Lake – three of them & the Lake west of Mount
Viliamanata & one between that Mt. & the River traced
up by Batman – The want of timber for building & fencing
will be severely felt and in many places, even for fuel –
the expanse of plains is surprisingly great - all covered with
grass, but west of the River followed up by Batman they
will not bear heavy stocking – I should think about 1 sheep
to 2 acres – They somewhat resemble Salt Pan Plains
except that in size the latter are to the former what a
Cabbage Garden would be to them – Hereabouts the Country
is more undulating, & more woody, & the soil & grass better –