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Murder of Mr Boyd in the Solomon Islands
Murder of Mr Boyd in the Solomon Islands

Murder of Mr Boyd in the Solomon Islands

Publisher (Established 1842)
Artist (English - Australian, 1817 - 1894)
Date1852
Object number00005972
NameEngraving
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 393 x 270 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis page from the The Illustrated London News published on 10 April 1852 features an article on the death of Benjamin Boyd titled 'Murder of Mr Boyd in the Solomon Islands'. The article features excepts from the WANDERER's log book from 14 - 19 October 1851. Accompanying the article is an engraving of Boyd's yacht WANDERER, which is after a drawing by the artist Oswald Walter Brierly.HistoryScottish entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd sailed to Australia in 1843 with hopes of building a bustling development in Twofold Bay. He founded two settlements there, first the port at Boyd Town and then the whaling station at East Boyd. Boyd's ship the WANDERER arrived in Australia in 1842 and made many trips along the Australian coastline, becoming a regular sight in Sydney Harbour. By 1849, Boyd was in great financial difficulty and preparing to leave the colony. The next two years proved to be disastrous for the WANDERER and Boyd. Sailing out of Port Jackson on 26 October 1849 the vessel lost a bow anchor on the reef. In October 1851 'The unfortunate gentleman... was on a voyage in his yacht, the WANDERER, from California to Sydney, and when among... the Solomon Islands, in the South Pacific, was attacked by the natives, and met with a horrible death' (Illustrated London News, 10 April 1852, p. 283). The WANDERER later wrecked off Port Macquarie on its return to Australia.SignificancePublished almost six months after the disappearance and death of Benjamin Boyd, this article and illustration exemplifies the continued international public interest in the event.