THE HOPE TREASURE
BRUNY ISLAND
Tasmania's Bruny Island coastline has witnessed several ships and their crews sink to their watery graves. The shipwrecks include the colonial trading ship ‘Hope’, which on April the 29th 1827 was hit by a storm and wrecked opposite Bruny Island , on the beach which now bears its name.
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Email Rex Woodmore: [email protected]
THE TRADING SHIP 'HOPE
..becomes 'hope-less' April the 29th 1827
It is recorded that at about 4 am the chief officer went below, and less than half an hour later the vessel stranded on the low sandy beach at South Arm that now bears its name. Swept by the breakers rolling onto the beach ‘all was terror and confusion’, and the master ‘raved at the pilot like a man distracted, the latter standing in mute dismay.’ All efforts to work the ship off failed, and water began to fill the hold. At 10 am two boats from James Lucas’s bay-whaling station turned up and attempted to tow the ship off, but one of them overturned and the crew escape drowning with difficulty. All hands were then taken off, most camping on the beach near the stranded Hope, and others being taken to Hobart in a whaleboat. The ship’s agent at Hobart, Walter Bethune, chartered the sloop Recovery to assist, but by the time it arrived at the scene the Hope was a total wreck, full of water and with the stern post driven in.
Legend has it that the Hope was delivering the quarterly pay for the Hobart garrison. The money was in coin and probably included both copper and silver coins of various denominations. When the ship ran aground, Soldiers from the Hope allegedly buried £3,200 in coin including at the beach, but for some unexplained reason, were unable to recover it. So began one of Australia's great Treasure island mysteries.
Legend has it that the Hope was delivering the quarterly pay for the Hobart garrison. The money was in coin and probably included both copper and silver coins of various denominations. When the ship ran aground, Soldiers from the Hope allegedly buried £3,200 in coin including at the beach, but for some unexplained reason, were unable to recover it. So began one of Australia's great Treasure island mysteries.
THE LOSS OF THE HOPE
The Hobart Colonial Times May 1827
We have the painful duty to report the loss of the barque Hope, which vessel was wrecked on Sunday morning last, on the long Sandy Beach, between Betsy and Iron-pot Islands. It appears she was on her way from Sydney hither, with about 100 tons of freight, and the following passengers: Ensign Barcley, 40th Regiment; Mrs. Bisbee and Mr. Bisbee (wife and brother of Mr. Bisbee of Hobart Town who came as passengers in the ship Elizabeth from England to Sydney); also Mrs. Westbrook mother of Dr. Westbrook. Of this place, another passenger per the Elizabeth, and three others, among whom is Mr. Edmund Johnson, nephew of Mr. Joseph Johnson of the Green Ponds.
The Hope made the Heads on Saturday afternoon; and took on board, off Cape Raoul, the pilot, Mr. Mansfield, the same evening, shortly before dusk. The Hope at this time was being towed in by two of the ship’s boats; but the pilot having taken charge of the vessel, told Captain Cunningham, that he could safely bring her up the river, without the assistance of the boats; from which, in consequence, she parted.
The Captain, however, wished the vessel might be towed in; but the Pilot observed, that his long experience in the river Derwent would enable him to bring her up in safety otherwise. The Captain was perfectly aware of sufficient room being afforded in the Derwent for any vessel to be brought up with almost any wind, and therefore acquiesced with the Pilot’s wishes; and, leaving the charge of the vessel in his hands, retired to rest, where he remained until awakened by the vessel running on shore.
The wind light and variable, and the vessel proceeded up the river but slowly. The night was rather dark and rainy; and about 4 o’clock on the morning of Sunday; about two hours before day break, she, by some means, we can scarcely conceive how, ran ashore, on the long sandy beach, in Shoal Bay, as above stated.
Although the night was rather dark, the wind was not violent, but the surf was running tremendously high. On the lead line being thrown, she was discovered to be in seven feet of water, while her proper draught was fifteen. The moment she struck, the consternation and terror became general; and the scene is described as truly terrific.
The Captain raving at the pilot like a man distracted, the latter standing in mute dismay--- females just left their beds--- sailors not knowing which way to turn, to relieve the creaking vessel, which was expected to go to pieces every moment, as she already leaked like a sieve--- the heavy surf rolling over her, adding horror to the scene--- while the dismal half hour guns of distress seemed to signal the death knell of all on board. Daylight at length appeared and discovered to the sufferers their truly perilous situation.
About 10 o’clock of the Sunday morning, two whale-boats, of Mr. Lucus’s fishing party, which had been laying off Bruny Island, came up to the wreck. They had heard the proceeding evening the signal-gun nfor the Pilot, which drew their attention and induced them to bend their steps thitherward.
They immediately lent their aid, with the ship’s jolly boat, in getting out the ship’s bower and kedge anchors; but the attempt proved fruitless, for one of the whaleboats (the property of Mr. Kelly), was stove, having her head absolutely dashed off, and the crew narrowly escaped with their lives. Captain Cunningham then jumped into the jolly boat alone, which parted from the other boat, and nearly fell a sacrifice to his eager promptitude, to save the vessel. Finding every other hope lost, to all the lives they could became their chief object.
The venerable Mrs. Westbrook and Mrs. Bisbee were safely conveyed on shore, after a state of most dreadful suspense for four hours. All this time, the rolling of the vessel almost precluded anyone from keeping their feet, while the state of the two females was most dreadful; overcome with weakness and terror, and fatigue, they could not stand without support, which was kindly afforded by a Mr. John Elliot and some other Gentlemen passengers. With the Ladies, Mr. Clarkson, charterer of the Hope, came up to Hobart Town by the whale-boat in the course of Sunday, bringing the fatal news to Town, leaving the other persons on board. Immediately on learning the fate of the Hope, the Agent (Mr. Behune), dispatched the sloop Recovery, a small craft, in order to bring away a portion of her cargo, in which she succeeded, having returned the following evening with as many tons of goods as could be thrown on board from the wreck.
But to return to the ship. On Sunday night, between 11 and 12 o’clock, the rudder gave way, and the upper part of her stern was driven in. At this critical hour of the night, it was every moment feared that the stern post would give way or be driven in also; in which case the vessel must soon afterwards have foundered, and every soul on board perished as the surf was still running mountains high. The other passengers who did not come up on Sunday safely arrived in Town on Tuesday- till which period all hands were employed at the pumps, in imminent peril, every moment in danger of being washed overboard. When some Gentlemen who left the wreck on Tuesday, who had visited it on Monday, the sea was gaining on the vessel every hour, her main mast had been cut away, and all hopes of saving her were given up. Some casks of spirits, which were on board, were ascertained to have been damaged by the salt water; and the tea and sugar, which also formed part of her cargo, must inevitably be destroyed. We understand, that among the persons who had merchandise on board is Mr. James Lord, owner of the Marquis of Lausdown.---- We are not aware whether the vessel is insured or not.
The government brig Prince Leopold, in coming from Maria Island with the remainder of the wreck of the Apollo, saw the Hope off the Heads on Saturday, and safely arrived in the Harbour the same evening. Monday she discharged her lading, and on Tuesday was immediately sent to the relief of the wrecked Hope.
The Hope made the Heads on Saturday afternoon; and took on board, off Cape Raoul, the pilot, Mr. Mansfield, the same evening, shortly before dusk. The Hope at this time was being towed in by two of the ship’s boats; but the pilot having taken charge of the vessel, told Captain Cunningham, that he could safely bring her up the river, without the assistance of the boats; from which, in consequence, she parted.
The Captain, however, wished the vessel might be towed in; but the Pilot observed, that his long experience in the river Derwent would enable him to bring her up in safety otherwise. The Captain was perfectly aware of sufficient room being afforded in the Derwent for any vessel to be brought up with almost any wind, and therefore acquiesced with the Pilot’s wishes; and, leaving the charge of the vessel in his hands, retired to rest, where he remained until awakened by the vessel running on shore.
The wind light and variable, and the vessel proceeded up the river but slowly. The night was rather dark and rainy; and about 4 o’clock on the morning of Sunday; about two hours before day break, she, by some means, we can scarcely conceive how, ran ashore, on the long sandy beach, in Shoal Bay, as above stated.
Although the night was rather dark, the wind was not violent, but the surf was running tremendously high. On the lead line being thrown, she was discovered to be in seven feet of water, while her proper draught was fifteen. The moment she struck, the consternation and terror became general; and the scene is described as truly terrific.
The Captain raving at the pilot like a man distracted, the latter standing in mute dismay--- females just left their beds--- sailors not knowing which way to turn, to relieve the creaking vessel, which was expected to go to pieces every moment, as she already leaked like a sieve--- the heavy surf rolling over her, adding horror to the scene--- while the dismal half hour guns of distress seemed to signal the death knell of all on board. Daylight at length appeared and discovered to the sufferers their truly perilous situation.
About 10 o’clock of the Sunday morning, two whale-boats, of Mr. Lucus’s fishing party, which had been laying off Bruny Island, came up to the wreck. They had heard the proceeding evening the signal-gun nfor the Pilot, which drew their attention and induced them to bend their steps thitherward.
They immediately lent their aid, with the ship’s jolly boat, in getting out the ship’s bower and kedge anchors; but the attempt proved fruitless, for one of the whaleboats (the property of Mr. Kelly), was stove, having her head absolutely dashed off, and the crew narrowly escaped with their lives. Captain Cunningham then jumped into the jolly boat alone, which parted from the other boat, and nearly fell a sacrifice to his eager promptitude, to save the vessel. Finding every other hope lost, to all the lives they could became their chief object.
The venerable Mrs. Westbrook and Mrs. Bisbee were safely conveyed on shore, after a state of most dreadful suspense for four hours. All this time, the rolling of the vessel almost precluded anyone from keeping their feet, while the state of the two females was most dreadful; overcome with weakness and terror, and fatigue, they could not stand without support, which was kindly afforded by a Mr. John Elliot and some other Gentlemen passengers. With the Ladies, Mr. Clarkson, charterer of the Hope, came up to Hobart Town by the whale-boat in the course of Sunday, bringing the fatal news to Town, leaving the other persons on board. Immediately on learning the fate of the Hope, the Agent (Mr. Behune), dispatched the sloop Recovery, a small craft, in order to bring away a portion of her cargo, in which she succeeded, having returned the following evening with as many tons of goods as could be thrown on board from the wreck.
But to return to the ship. On Sunday night, between 11 and 12 o’clock, the rudder gave way, and the upper part of her stern was driven in. At this critical hour of the night, it was every moment feared that the stern post would give way or be driven in also; in which case the vessel must soon afterwards have foundered, and every soul on board perished as the surf was still running mountains high. The other passengers who did not come up on Sunday safely arrived in Town on Tuesday- till which period all hands were employed at the pumps, in imminent peril, every moment in danger of being washed overboard. When some Gentlemen who left the wreck on Tuesday, who had visited it on Monday, the sea was gaining on the vessel every hour, her main mast had been cut away, and all hopes of saving her were given up. Some casks of spirits, which were on board, were ascertained to have been damaged by the salt water; and the tea and sugar, which also formed part of her cargo, must inevitably be destroyed. We understand, that among the persons who had merchandise on board is Mr. James Lord, owner of the Marquis of Lausdown.---- We are not aware whether the vessel is insured or not.
The government brig Prince Leopold, in coming from Maria Island with the remainder of the wreck of the Apollo, saw the Hope off the Heads on Saturday, and safely arrived in the Harbour the same evening. Monday she discharged her lading, and on Tuesday was immediately sent to the relief of the wrecked Hope.
SECRET MILITARY BUSINESS
As it was a military matter and therefore should be considered a secret, the loss of the garrison's pay was not reported.
In fact there doesn’t seem to be any official report recorded. However Captain Harry O'May in his book mentions the Hope and her treasure:
“It was said to be the pay money for the garrison stationed in Hobart Town. At the time of the wreck the treasure disappeared. The two soldiers were suspected of securing it and secretly hiding it in the sand dunes with the intention of retrieving it later. This was never possible as the men were transferred to India where one of them died. The other returned to England where he received his discharge. Probably he had no means of returning to Hobart Town. However, this man told his story to an Irish farmer named McKinnon and convinced him that the buried treasure was still to be found where he and his mate had planted it. McKinnon sold his farm and with a rough plan of the locality supplied by the ex-soldier came out to Hobart Town. There he purchased tools and stores, obtained a miner’s right and engaged Donald McKay, owner of the passage boat Mary May, to land him and his gear, not on Hope Beach, but on Kelly’s Point on Bruni Island. Hope Beach and Kelly’s Point are on opposite sides of the entrance to the Derwent and approximately three miles of open water separates them.
On the arrival of the Mary May at Kelly’s Point, Mr. Harry Denne came down to the jetty and assisted in the landing of the gear. This included a large and very heavy box which cost the three men considerable effort to place on the wharf.
After the boat had gone on her way Mr. Denne questioned the stranger but received only evasive answers. He became a man of mystery to the Dennes who watched him as he tramped aimlessly about the shore. Next morning he was still there but the heavy metal box was gone from the jetty. During the day he was asked why he was prying around and he answered, “I am searching for hone stones.” (Stones used for sharpening cutting tools.)
The Dennes decided this was a very unsatisfactory answer and that it was time to communicate with the police. The Brown’s River trooper was instructed to investigate the case. When the trooper asked why the stranger was prospecting on private property he was also told of the search for honing stones. The trooper then asked, “What is in the big box?” and was told it contained snake-bite cure. When it was opened two small phials of some liquid were found in the box.
The trooper had no excuse for arresting the man who continued his prospecting for some time and then disappeared.
But after a lapse of 18 months he turned up again. It was learned later that in the meantime he had returned to Ireland and secured from the soldier another map with more minute instructions. On his return to Hobart Town, McKinnon arranged with Captain Bill Whisby of the ketch Ann Allen to convey him to Bligh’s Point which is about a mile further up the Channel. He told Whisby for what he was hunting and this time he gave all the gullies in the vicinity a thorough combing before he abandoned the search. When all his money was gone he returned to Hobart Town and worked as a laborer.”
In fact there doesn’t seem to be any official report recorded. However Captain Harry O'May in his book mentions the Hope and her treasure:
“It was said to be the pay money for the garrison stationed in Hobart Town. At the time of the wreck the treasure disappeared. The two soldiers were suspected of securing it and secretly hiding it in the sand dunes with the intention of retrieving it later. This was never possible as the men were transferred to India where one of them died. The other returned to England where he received his discharge. Probably he had no means of returning to Hobart Town. However, this man told his story to an Irish farmer named McKinnon and convinced him that the buried treasure was still to be found where he and his mate had planted it. McKinnon sold his farm and with a rough plan of the locality supplied by the ex-soldier came out to Hobart Town. There he purchased tools and stores, obtained a miner’s right and engaged Donald McKay, owner of the passage boat Mary May, to land him and his gear, not on Hope Beach, but on Kelly’s Point on Bruni Island. Hope Beach and Kelly’s Point are on opposite sides of the entrance to the Derwent and approximately three miles of open water separates them.
On the arrival of the Mary May at Kelly’s Point, Mr. Harry Denne came down to the jetty and assisted in the landing of the gear. This included a large and very heavy box which cost the three men considerable effort to place on the wharf.
After the boat had gone on her way Mr. Denne questioned the stranger but received only evasive answers. He became a man of mystery to the Dennes who watched him as he tramped aimlessly about the shore. Next morning he was still there but the heavy metal box was gone from the jetty. During the day he was asked why he was prying around and he answered, “I am searching for hone stones.” (Stones used for sharpening cutting tools.)
The Dennes decided this was a very unsatisfactory answer and that it was time to communicate with the police. The Brown’s River trooper was instructed to investigate the case. When the trooper asked why the stranger was prospecting on private property he was also told of the search for honing stones. The trooper then asked, “What is in the big box?” and was told it contained snake-bite cure. When it was opened two small phials of some liquid were found in the box.
The trooper had no excuse for arresting the man who continued his prospecting for some time and then disappeared.
But after a lapse of 18 months he turned up again. It was learned later that in the meantime he had returned to Ireland and secured from the soldier another map with more minute instructions. On his return to Hobart Town, McKinnon arranged with Captain Bill Whisby of the ketch Ann Allen to convey him to Bligh’s Point which is about a mile further up the Channel. He told Whisby for what he was hunting and this time he gave all the gullies in the vicinity a thorough combing before he abandoned the search. When all his money was gone he returned to Hobart Town and worked as a laborer.”
There is a suggestion that during the confusion the treasure was removed from the Hope & transferred to one of the whaling boats that came in to assist and it was not buried on the beach by the soldiers, but was buried in secret by one or more of the whalers who left it hidden for some time, until things ''cooled down'' and then they retrieved their ill-gotten gains, which today (2019) could be worth around AUD $2million.
Email Rex Woodmore: [email protected]