Bennelong is a member of the Wangal…
September 1790 CE
He has several sisters, including Warreeweer and Carangarang, who have married important men from nearby clans, thereby creating political links for their brother.
Bennelong had a daughter named Dilboong who died in infancy, and a son who will be adopted by the Rev. William Walker, who will christen him Thomas Walker; he will die in 1823, aged about twenty, after a short illness.
Bennelong had been brought to the settlement at Sydney Cove in November 1789 by order of the governor, Arthur Phillip, who is under instructions from King George III to establish relationships with the indigenous populations.
At that time the Eora had conscientiously avoided contact with the newcomers, and in desperation Phillip had resorted to kidnap.
A man named Arabanoo had been captured, but he, like many other Aboriginal people near the settlement, had died in a smallpox epidemic a few months later in May 1789.
Bennelong (married at the time to Barangaroo) had been captured with Colbee (married to Daringa) in December 1789 as part of Phillip's plan to learn the language and customs of the local people.
His age, at the time of his capture, was estimated at twenty-five, and he is described as being 'of good stature, stoutly made', with a 'bold, intrepid countenance'.
His appetite is such that 'the ration of a week was insufficient to have kept him for a day', and 'love and war seemed his favorite pursuits'.
Colbee had soon escaped, but Bennelong had stayed in the settlement for about six months.
He then escaped also, but has renewed contact with Phillip as a free man.
About three months after his escape, he organizes for Phillip to visit Manly Cove.