Category: Tasmanian Bushrangers

Articles pertaining to bushrangers that operated predominantly in Tasmania.

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Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 8)

AJFPhelan56

In the epilogue of his biography of Michael Howe, James Calder sets the record straight on some of the falsehoods peddled by other writers, and goes into more detail about some of the other figures that appeared in Howe’s story such as Black Mary and James Geary. He concludes with a reflection on the nature of crime and punishment in colonial Australia, and its impact on crime. Continue reading Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 8)

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Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 6)

AJFPhelan56

In this installment we learn of Michael Howe’s solo career following his escape from Hobart, and the fatal incident involving his old companion Watts, and their mutual associate Slambo. We also learn of Howe’s brush with bushranger-to-be, Musquito. Continue reading Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 6)

Feature, Michael Howe, Series, Tasmanian BushrangersLeave a comment

Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 4)

AJFPhelan56

In this installment we learn of the death of Whitehead; Howe’s rise in the ranks; the gang on the run in 1816; gentlemanly (and not-so-gentlemanly) behaviour by the bushrangers; Colonel Davey’s direct pursuit of the outlaws in the bush; and the robbery of Stocker’s carts at Bagdad. Continue reading Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 4)

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Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 2)

AJFPhelan56

In part two of James Calder’s account of the life and times of Michael Howe, we learn about Howe’s time in the armed forces, which eventually led to his transportation as a convict. We also learn of how Howe fell into the bushranging game, the depredations committed by the bushrangers, and the government’s response. Continue reading Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 2)

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Spotlight: LATEST EXPLOIT OF “DIDO,” THE BUSHRANGER

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On Friday, as one of Mr. Gunn’s shepherds, best known by the name of “Old Swede,” was following his sheep in the vicinity of the bullocks’ hunting ground, seeing a smoke in a thick scrub, entered it, and found Dido and his mate cooking the hind quarters of a fine lamb. “Old Swede” is said to have nearly as much affection for the sheep and lambs he has charge of as if they were his children : so he began to blow the thieves up, and threatened them with his vengeance… Continue reading Spotlight: LATEST EXPLOIT OF “DIDO,” THE BUSHRANGER