Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 – 1931), Wednesday 25 September 1872, page 3
Gallant Capture of a Bushranger.
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(Communicated to the Inverell Courier.)
ON Friday morning last, a messenger arrived from Stoney Batter, in great haste, for senior-constable Scott to proceed to that place, as a bushranger, armed to the teeth, had stuck-up Mr. Baldwin, of the Loopanda Hotel, and stolen a horse, saddle and bridle. Our worthy senior-constable, with praiseworthy energy, lost no time in starting, accompanied by constable Sharp, both well mounted. They accomplished the distance, thirty miles, in one hour and thirty minutes. As far as I can learn, the bushranger, who gives his name as James McPherson, came to Mr. Baldwin’s Hotel about 8 o’clock on the evening of the 12th instant, without either swag or horse, and having ordered tea, he remained in the house until bed time, occasionally having a glass of grog. He asked for a bed, and was shown it by Mr. Baldwin. About half an hour after Mr. Baldwin had retired, he thought he heard someone trying to open a bedroom door off the parlor, where a lady passenger by the coach was sleeping. He got up, went to a parlor, and, seeing McPherson, he (Mr. Baldwin) told him to go to his own room. McPherson left for that purpose, and, Mr. Baldwin having fastened all the doors, again retired, thinking all was right; but, to his astonishment, after a short time, he heard a noise, as if a horse were walking in front of the hotel. He got up, and looking out of the window saw a horse with saddle and bridle on, tied to one of the verandah posts. He knew the horse belonged to a man named Edwards, from Bendemeer, who was at his hotel that night. He next heard a shot, and then went to the back to rouse the groom up, whom he told to go round to the front, and, if possible, secure the horse, and put him in the stable, and lock the door. During this time it seems McPherson went again to the door of the room where the lady was sleeping, and, with revolver in hand, threatened to blow her brains out if she did not admit him into the room. Mr. B. and the groom, hearing some one talking, went into the parlour, and saw the bushranger standing at the bedroom door. The bushranger then said to the groom, “You b—— wretch, you have put my horse away; go and get him, or I’ll blow your brains out;” and at the same time made Mr. B. and the groom go in front of him to where the horse was. The horse was brought to him, and he led it to the front of the hotel, fastened it, and then shouted to Mr. Baldwin to open the door, and give him a nobbler; and if he did not, he would burn the house over his head. The bushranger was, of course, admitted, had his grog, after which he demanded powder, caps, and bullets, which were refused. He then said he would have to bail him up for some; however, he got none, and he went away. The house was again shut up, but Mr. Baldwin and his groom remained up for some time, thinking the bushranger might come back, and bring his mate with him.
They had not long to wait; and, for the third time, they heard him in the parlour. Mr. Baldwin was determined to have him this time, or die in the attempt. The groom was told to go outside and secure the horse. Mr. B. then went into the parlour, and, seeing the scoundrel undressed, with revolver in hand, Mr. B., who has known him for years, said, “Jemmy, I did not expect this from you,” and requested him to leave the house.” The bushranger replied, “Well, Baldwin, I will go,” laying the revolver on the table to dress himself, and, after so doing, Mr. Baldwin seized the revolver, and stepped back. The bushranger then made a rush past Mr. B., for the purpose of getting on his horse, which the groom was then leading round to the stable, and, whilst in the act of put his foot in the stirrup, Mr. B., who had followed him out, struck him on the back of the head, and felled him to the ground. He was then secured until the police arrived, when he was delivered over to them. I am informed McPherson will be brought up for trial at the Bundarra police court, on Tuesday next.