John Batman, The Batman deed, Melbourne, 1835 June 6, State Library Victoria

Also called Batman's Melbourne deed or Melbourne treaty, the Batman deed recorded the purchase of land for the Port Phillip Association, and was executed in triplicate. The first copy of the deed was drawn up by John Batman and William Todd on 6 June 1835; the second and third copies were drawn up by William Todd on 7 June. This copy is understood to be the third copy, retained by Batman himself. The deed describes a tract of country 40 miles in length, or 500,000 acres, covering land in the Melbourne area and along the western arm of Port Phillip Bay, including Geelong, the purchase of which was negotiated under a separate treaty. The land was purchased for a quantity of blankets, tomahawks, knives, scissors, looking glasses, handkerchiefs, flour and shirts, with an additional yearly rent or tribute of similar goods.