One of them replied that they were going for Mr.
Cunningham, and they got away though they were fired upon.

They did go for Mr.Cunningham, and robbed him of his chronometer, pistols, tent, and provisions.

Then they sailed away, and were picked up by a whaler, which they seized and finally scuttled.

The Government refused to compensate Cunningham for his loss, and he had to replace the instruments himself.
Cunningham left Sydney on the 25th of February, 1831, on a visit to London, where he spent nearly two years at Kew, returning to Sydney on the 12th of February, 1837.

He was appointed Colonial Botanist and Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens, but did not retain the position very long, being disgusted to find that supplying Government officials with vegetables was to be a chief part of his duties.