Tag: 1840s

Spotlight: Wollombi (1840)

Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 – 1842), Saturday 26 December 1840, page 2

WOLLOMBI.

I am sorry to have occasion to inform you that the neighbourhood has been for a third time within the period of few short weeks the scene of almost unparalleled and licentious outrage – the perpetrators, the well-known bushranging ruffians whose depredations have been so alarming to the Lower Hunter – On Friday morning, the 18th instant, about 11 o’clock, these villains, six in number, in their route from Brisbane Water, visited, for a second time within a few weeks, the station of E. C. Close, Esq, and, after committing their usual depredations, forced his overseer to accompany them to Mr. Crawford’s establishment, unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, Mr. and Mrs. C. were absent at the time, on a visit to Maitland. The scene which presented itself on their return was truly a distressing one, every place of security about the house was broke open; and almost every piece of furniture more or less injured. After remaining about two hours at my house they forced a free man, whom I had left in charge, to show them the road to my brother’s station (Illalong), about 5 miles distant.

I forgot to say that the conduct of two of the Wollombi district constables on the premises was disgraceful in the extreme, worse if possible, than that of the bushrangers, as the spirits, &c, were handed out of the house by the bushrangers these pseudo protectors of the peace received them, knocked the necks from the bottles, and drunk the contents till they became in a state of beastly intoxication. The conduct of these vile constables on this occasion ought to become the subject of strict inquiry; they appeared to be with the bushrangers “Hail fellows well met.” At Illalong, the bushrangers, after making their usual inquisitorial inquiries, asked if there was not a bell on the premises? On being answered in the affirmative, they ordered one of the assigned men to break it to pieces, which was apparently very willingly done; after ordering corn for their horses and ransacking the house they pressed the services of one of the men to conduct them to Mr. J. M. Davis’s, about two miles distant, they found Mr. D. just sitting down to dinner, having, as a guest, Mr. Dunlop the police magistrate, who, armed with a pair of small pistols, resisted the first intruder, but upon seeing, immediately after, five others enter the room prudently desisted. After ordering Mr. D. and his guest to “bail up” in the room, the rascals sat down to the savoury viands, and cracked their jokes with as much case and familiarity as consisted with convict dignity, observing to Mr. Dunlop (at the same time applying a quizzing glass to his eye) it was the first time they had had the pleasure of meeting him at dinner; but they intended honouring him again with their company on Christmas Day. After remaining about an hour and a half on the premises and committing the usual spoliation, and making the servants drunk, they took away three of Mr. Davis’s horses; they then proceeded to the Rising Sun Inn, kept by Mr. Pendergrass, whom they robbed of £13 cash, here they met with Mr. John McDougall, who keeps the inn at the township, and for some alleged offence stripped him and tied him up, two of them inflicting a most unmerciful lashing, had it not been for the interference of Mr. P. it is probable they would have taken Mr. McDougall’s life

Pursuing their course of infamy, the miscreants directed their way to Mr. White’s, of the Red House on the Maitland Road, whom they robbed of a double-barrelled gun, a saddle, and a few shillings in money, several of them being in a state of intoxication, so that in leaving they could scarcely keep their seats. They then proceeded to Mr. Garrard’s (late Mr. Harper’s) station, about a mile distant, which they ransacked.  

I cannot conclude without making a few remarks respecting the praiseworthy conduct of our P. M., Mr. Dunlop, who, under the cover of night, and in danger of falling in with his late quondam companions, rode to Maitland for the purpose of obtaining the services of the mounted police; as these were proceeding from Maitland to Black Creek, they were met by a gentleman from the latter place, from whom information was given, which I flatter myself will lead to their detection.

It is reported they have since robbed the mail on its way from Darlington to Maitland.

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Spotlight: Hunter’s River Bushrangers (1840)

Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 – 1842), Saturday 26 December 1840, page 2

HUNTER’S RIVER BUSHRANGERS.

The Rubicon is past – and human blood is now shed by one of the most lawless gangs of bushrangers that ever infested the Hunter. Blood, that cries aloud for retribution at the hands of our vacillating government. Blood – yes blood, the first of a long list which it is anticipated, will mark the career of the Hunter’s River bushrangers. My last letter feebly narrated the career of this gang at the Wollombi; of their assault on the late constable McDougall, and the murderous attack on one of Mr. Crawford’s men; of their recontre at the Red House, and other particulars of their misdeeds. This, though not so full of particulars, will be more full of horror. It appears that, on leaving the Wollombi, they were joined by six others, thus making their number ten, when they proceeded to Scone, simultaneously attacking the Inn of Mr. Chivers and the stores of Mr. ‘Thomas Dangar, their approach was however observed by a young man, clerk to Mr Dangar, named Graham, who injudiciously armed himself with a pistol, which he fired at the advancing party, when one of them (Marshall it is thought) levelled his gun and shot him dead at the door of his master’s house, whose property he was defending. Davis, the chief of the robbers, on hearing the report, came forward; he seemed to regret it much, but I will quote his own words, – “I would give £1,000, that this had not happened, but as well a hundred now as one.” We may therefore expect that this one murder mentioned, is the precursor of others, each more sanguinary than the other. The last report we have had of them is at the Page.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT

Seven desperate bushrangers are infesting this district. They came from Jerry’s Plains via Muswell Brook. They went to Mr Dangar’s farm on Monday morning, and took a fine grey horse and several light articles, such as watches rugs, &c. They then proceeded to Scone – and called at Chivers, who they robbed of about £70, bailed up the people, and broke what fire arms were in the house. While this was being done some of the party went over to Dangar’s stores, one went to the back and another to the front of the house. Mr. Graham, the Clerk took up a piece and fired at the fellow in front but missed him. He then ran away to the constable, but one of the villains shot him dead in in the middle of the road, and thus is another valuable life lost from the lawless state of the country. The marauders then mounted and proceeded towards the Page. Mr. Day has arrived from Muswell Brook with a number of ticket-of-leave men, and is on his way after them. The magistrates have sent a note with the constables for all ticket men to muster, and form as many parties as possible, some are going by the Cedar Bush, the Wybong and Gammon Plains, and from the activity of the arrangements, hopes are entertained of their speedy capture.

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Spotlight: Bothwell (1840)

Colonial Times (Hobart, Tas. : 1828 – 1857), Tuesday 22 December 1840, page 5

BOTHWELL

We have received some additional information respecting the Bushranging, robbery, and murder affair in the district of Bothwell, and the consequences of the absence of that Police Magistrate. At half-past 11 ‘o’clock on Sunday the 29th ultimo, one of the neighbouring magistrates was roused out of bed by the arrival of a messenger from Bothwell, with a letter from the district constable, stating that a woman, who had been ill-used in the settlement, lay in such a dangerous state, that her life was despaired of, and that it would be necessary to take her evidence immediately, at the same time informing him that the Assistant Police Magistrate was not home. The J. P. proceeded immediately to town, and found the woman as described; that her skull had been fractured, and she was vomiting clotted blood in large quantities. He did all he thought necessary in the matter, after which he returned home.

We stated in our last, that two intelligent constables were sent to bring the murdered bodies of the shepherds (if they could) to Bothwell, with such information as they might obtain respecting the murder. It will be recollected that the shepherds were missing ten days before they were discovered, and then lay two days afterwards before any steps were taken respecting them, while the thermometer was 86° in the shade, yet it was too great an effort of sagacity for the Bothwell police to discover that decomposition must have been too far advanced to render their removal possible; and consequently the constables had to march nearly 90 miles to make the discovery. On the 11th instant, in the afternoon, an inquest was at length assembled, and the following evidence was adduced :–

Inquest held at the Great Lake, 11th December 1840 on the bodies of William Trueson, free, and William Freeman Clark, assigned to Mr. Brodribb.

William Luck sworn, states – I hold a ticket-of-leave; I am shepherd to Mr. Flexmore, and reside at this place. On Sunday last (6th Dec.) William Dann asked me if Trueson’s dog had come back. We saw his dog just at this time coming from the spot where the bodies now lay. We went to the place where the dog came from, and found the bodies; I know Trueson by his dress; I saw him dressed so, a month ago. The other man William Freeman Clark, had a bad finger for a long time; He now has a rag on the same place. I know him by that. I immediately reported the circumstances to Mr. Charles Armitage, and he came and examined the place, and then rode off directly and reported it at Bothwell.

William Dann sworn, states, – I am assigned to Mr. Armitage; I was going home last Sunday morning (6th Dec.) to Bagdad, I asked Luck where Pittwater (Trueson’s dog) was; he began to call the dog, and he came from that spot (pointing to where the bodies lay). Luck said he had seen the dog come from that direction three or four times; he said, “I think there is something there” I said. “Well, let’s go and see.” We called the dog, but he would not come, so we went up, and Luck said, “there they lay”; I just saw the cord trowsers of a person; we turned back and went over to Armitage’s hut; I do not know either of them. I came back again to the spot with Armitage, and Luck and two more men, we went up and looked at them, and saw more plainly that these were two bodies. Young and Armitage went off to report it.

By a Juryman. – I was going home and called here to know if there was any message. I heard at our hut that the dog was missing, and enquired if he came back. I only came up the day before with young Mr. Armitage with some sheep to the run, and was going back again. I had heard the men at Mr, Armitage’s hut say, that the two men belonging to this hut, William Trueson and William Freeman Clark were missing.

By another Juryman.– I think it is about a hundred yards from the hut where I found the bodies; I speak of this hut, Brodribb’s.

Henry Pinfold sworn, saith.– I am assigned to Mr. Armitage. On last Wednesday fortnight, (26th Nov. ult.) I was going to the neck after some of my master’s sheep that were left behind; I met Mr. Brodribb’s shepherd, Pitwater (i.e. Trueson) about a mile from this on the run; he went with me to my master’s and remained all night, and went away about ten o’clock on Thursday morning. I never saw him again until last Sunday, when I came over here with Mr. Armitage and the others; I never saw the other man before I saw him dead.

By a Juryman.– I do not know if Pittwater was in the habit of carrying fire-arms ; I never saw him with any.

William Cooper sworn, saith.– I am assigned to Mr. Edward Nicholas. On Friday in the afternoon – that is, this day fortnight, (20th Nov.) we were bringing my cattle; we found, when we came to Brodribb’s, the door fastened, and a pup dog inside the hut. We found things thrown about, the flourbag open, a damper appeared to have been fresh made on the table, and baked in the fire. A fire was lately raked up. When we first came, no one was in the hut, and we yarded the cattle and sheep, and waited outside till night and no one came home, we went in and staid all night. William Trueson was shepherd here, and Willum Freeman Clark was hut-keeper; they should have been there; no one came home all night; I went away next morning; the men were then missing.

By a Juryman.– I came to the hut with the cattle about half an hour before sun-down; there was a good fire to keep the fire alight, a log and ashes thrown over it.

Edward Swarbreck Hall sworn, states.– I am District Assistant Surgeon at Bothwell. I have examined the bodies on which the inquest is held; they are both in an advanced state of decomposition, and much mutilated, apparently by birds of prey or animals. On as careful an examination as the state of the bodies will admit of, I have been able to ascertain, that, on the taller body, said to be that of William Freeman Clark, there is a severe fracture of the Skull, extending through the parietal and acouputal bones to the base of the skull. That is all the appearance I could observe on that body. On that of the shorter individual, said to be that of William Trueson, there are on the back of the head, on the left side, two small triangular wounds, and very extensive fractures parietal and occipatal bones. In the loins of the same corpse there is a hole, about the size of the palm of a small hand, one of the lumber vertebrae is completely destroyed; somewhat higher on the back, there are two holes close together, about the sise of a small pea extending quite through into abdomen. The first blow must have been done by some heavy blunt instrument, it might be the butt of a musket. On that on the other body, I should think them more likely to have been inflicted by blows from heavy sharp pointed stones, thrown on the body as it lay on the ground. I consider the holes in the back to be gun shot wounds; they most have been inflicted at some yards, or the space would have been smaller. They would cause instant death. I have no doubt that the injuries of both bodies would have caused death.

Let us now take a short review of this melancholy affair, and in doing so, we look back at dates. On the 16th November, the bushrangers were comfortably and confidently following their occupation within 7 miles of the Police-office of Bothwell, on which day they robbed Mr. Ries’ place of arms, ammunition, provisions, &c., which was instantly reported at the the said Police-office, and in consequence of which, two men were sent after them. On the 19th, they were again seen and spoken to, on the highway near the same place, which was also reported at the Police-office, but nothing further was done, until the 24th, when, in consequence of the interference of a respectable individual, more constables were sent in pursuit, which however did not seem to disturb them, for they kept near the same quarter, where they were seen by several persons, nor is it at all unlikely they watched the Assistant Police Magistrate, on his departure for Hobart Town to see the Regatta on Saturday the 28th Nov., the day on which they set to work boldly, committed several robberies, and most probably the murder of the two unfortunate shepherds. Now we appeal to every principle of justice, whether, when a public officer leaves his post without leave, or a substitute, he is not liable for all consequences of occurring during such unwarranted absence? We certainly think he is. We learn, too, that the two constables sent after the two murdered bodies had no ammunition with them, either to protect themselves or capture the enemy! After this can it be possible that the person who has so acted, can be permitted to remain in that station one hour longer; we also learn that three other constables who were sent after the bushrangers on the 24th, were compelled to provide their own ammunition or go to war with empty muskets! In short the district of Bothwell appears to be a safe resort to bushrangers and runaways, where the trade of robbery and murder may be followed not only with impunity but in perfect safety; this is prison discipline with a vengeance. We have just been informed, that four additional runaways have been lurking in the neighbourhood, one of whom Mr. Nicholas’s man captured, and brought to Bothwell. We Have also heard, that the shepherds of the district have bravely formed themselves into a party in pursuit of the villains. We may next ask, what is our equestrian police about in Hobart under such circumstances? We exceedingly regret to learn that there has been yet no board of enquiry appointed — but that after the Legislative Committee is discharged, the matter will be enquired into — what can such procrastination mean? Can it be possible that such conduct as this is to be passed over? Is all consideration of public feeling and human life, to be put aside? We have stated, that the brave shepherds of the district have formed themselves into a police, but what will become of their flocks? Will the Police Magistrate send his constables with empty muskets to keep these flocks together? We must wait the issue of another publication, in the mean time all parties concerned may rest assured our reporter will not be idle.

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Spotlight: Bushranging on the Williams (1840)

Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 – 1842), Thursday 10 December 1840, page 2

NEWS FROM THE INTERIOR.

BUSHRANGING ON THE WILLIAMS.

The bushrangers who were at Newcastle lately, and more recently at Mr. Pilcher’s farm, on the Hunter, have paid us a visit en passant, and now that they have found themselves in every necessary, have left the district for a bold dash somewhere else. On Sunday night last, the 29th ultimo, between nine and ten o’clock, as Dr. McKinlay with a guide, was proceeding towards Mr. Chapman’s, of the Grange, from Mr. Coar’s, of Wallaringa, where he had been to visit a lady reported as being ill, he and the guide were “bailed up,” and commanded to “bundle back” to Mr. Coar’s again, otherwise they would have their brains blown out. Being unarmed, they, of course, made no resistance. They all proceeded then to Mr. Coar’s, where, to the astonishment of the captured party, the house was in possession of bushrangers, handsomely dressed, and “armed to the teeth.” They demanded the Doctor’s watch and money, but by the intercession of one of Mr. Coar’s men (who was lately a patient) who “begged him off,” everything was returned to him again. The Doctor says he was treated in the most gentlemanly manner by them, and that he never spent a happier night in his life. They insisted on his making himself quite at home, and not to be alarmed, as they did not intend injuring him, and pressed him to eat some eggs, beer, damper and butter. They then cleared a sofa for him to lie on, and covered him up with their great-coats, the pockets of which were stuffed with ball cartridge and buck shot. The Doctor’s guide had his arms tied behind him, and was thrust under the pianoforte, sans ceremonie, the chief telling him that if he either broke the paddle or fell asleep, he would blow his brains out. Here they were detained prisoners until morning, and then were marched off towards Mr. Chapman’s. Their attire was rather gaudy, as they wore broad-rimmed Manilla hats, turned up in front with abundance of broad pink ribbons, satin neck-cloths, splendid brooches, all of them had rings and watches. One of them (a Jew I believe) wore five rings. The bridles of their horses were also decorated with a profusion of pink ribbons. The leader was formerly an assigned servant of Edward Sparke, Esq., of the Upper Hunter, and another (named Shea) was lately an assigned servant of Mr Coar, the third, I believe, was a Jew named Davis, a very wary, determined fellow.

They “bailed up” Mr. Chapman and his men in the back yard, and searched the house, but took nothing of consequence save two saddles, saddle bags, bridles, brandy, tea, sugar, buck-shot, &c., they then caught two mares of Mr. Chapman’s, when Robert Chitty (one of Mr. C.’s men) joined them, and after having breakfast galloped off. They neither used violence nor uncivil language, and on leaving promised to return Mr. Chapman’s mares as soon as possible, and I am happy to say they have kept their word. Immediately after this, they met a man of Mr. Lord returning from Morpeth, leading back to Underbank his master’s horse, which they took from him, as also 11s. They cut open a carpet bag which he had, then gave him a kick on the ribs and dismissed him. They then met a Mr. Morrison, from the Namoi, proceeding towards the Paterson, from whom they took the horse he rode. They then proceeded towards Mr. Walker’s, of Brockfield, from whom they took about £37 in money and refreshments. The Rev. Mr Comrie was there at the time, from whom they took a mare, which had been kindly lent him by D. F. Mackay, Esq, of Melbee. I understand they have left this mare on the road, not very far off. They next directed their course to the station of Timothy Nowlan, Esq., on whom it would appear they had a great “down,” for they fixed a saddle on his back, flogged him, took £5, a horse, and a gold watch from him. They then galloped off to the residence of a small settler, “bailed up” all in the house, and insisted on having their horses shod, the man of the house being by profession a smith, but having neither nails nor cash, they met with a double disappointment. Back they came to Walker’s again, had some refreshments, and the Dungog postman chancing to pass through in that direction at the time, was “bailed up.” They cut open the Sydney bag but touched nothing, took £3 from the postman, and his watch, the latter of which they however returned him. They then made for the Paterson, and in the afternoon robbed Mr. Jones (Settlers’ Arms), of about £30. They then crossed the river, and have not since been heard of, but as one of the horses which they took from this has been seen near to Black Creek, it is probable that that is the route they have taken. They promised to visit Dungog, but it is fortunate for them they did not come, as the “city was in arms,” and would have given them a much warmer reception than they calculated upon. Had we only a batch of the Mounted Police stationed here, it would have been quite impossible for these marauders to have escaped, and from the frequency of these depredations it is now high time that a detachment of Mounted Police be permanently resident here, which is the only sure method of eradicating recurrences of this nature, and securing to the settlers of the district that peace and quiet, both of body and mind, which they have a good right to expect, and which it ought to be the study of Her Majesty’s representatives, as far as in them lies to cherish and promote. On Tuesday last, the 1st instant, another posse of these freebooters made an attack on the establishment of John Lord, Esq., at Underbank (sixteen miles above Dungog), “bailed up” all the servants, Mrs. Lord, and Mr. Craig, and after carrying away all the ammunition and fire-arms they could lay their hands upon, together with tea, sugar, flour, butter &c., besides £8 or £10 in cash, and a horse, they left at about half past four in the afternoon, after dining comfortably, and pursued their course over the mountains in the direction of the Paterson, and have not since been heard of. There is a party out in pursuit of them at present, but I fear their search will be unavailing.

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Spotlight: Westwood and Kavanagh

Stamped bricks line the pavement in Campbell Town, Tasmania, detailing the identities of convict transportees that were sent to Van Diemen’s Land.

Two of the most infamous bushrangers to have graced Tasmania’s shores, William Westwood (alias Jackey Jackey) and Lawrence Kavanagh, were both executed for their role in a deadly riot on Norfolk Island in 1846.

These two were convict transportees who had a number of escapes under their belts. Westwood in particular was known for repeatedly escaping custody and fleeing to the bush.

Westwood was mostly known for his crimes around Bungendore, which is near modern day Canberra. He had been transported for stealing a coat and pawning it, and poor treatment at the hands of his master and overseers saw him abscond from his assignment whenever possible. He developed a reputation as a “gentleman bushranger” for his quiet, polite temperament. Eventually, after multiple escapes, Westwood was shipped off to Van Diemen’s Land, where he was interred at Port Arthur – otherwise known as Hell on earth. The authorities believed it would straighten him out.

Port Arthur could barely contain Westwood, who repeatedly escaped, but typically found himself recaptured in a matter of days. On one occasion he essentially surrendered, having no food, no other supplies, and being completely naked as his clothes had been washed away when he crossed Eaglehawk Neck.

Eventually he was assigned to a station at Glenorchy, from which he escaped again with two others. They planned to escape on a boat. One abandoned them at Kempton (then known as Green Ponds), while the other stayed until they reached New Norfolk.

This incorrigible behaviour saw Westwood sent to an even worse gaol – Norfolk Island, also known as the Isle of Despair. This is where his path crossed with Kavanagh’s.

Kavanagh had been transported for burglary and spent most of his youth as a convict, transported to New South Wales in 1828 at the age of 17. Like Westwood, Kavanagh was known to escape custody and go bushranging, which saw him sent to Norfolk Island for nine years. When this didn’t straighten him out, demonstrated by another escape from Hyde Park Barracks after a transfer, he was sent to Port Arthur.

At Port Arthur he teamed up with Martin Cash and George Jones, and the trio escaped from the prison on foot. After surviving the hazardous swim across Eaglehawk Neck and the subsequent journey through the bush, they began a career of bushranging. The trio built a log fortress on Mount Dromedary and were joined by Martin Cash’s common law wife Eliza. Kavanagh’s time with the gang ended when he accidentally shot himself in the left arm while attempting to walk over uneven terrain near Bothwell. He turned himself in, but devised a bogus story about having killed the others so the authorities would stop searching for them – it didn’t work.

For his bushranging, Kavanagh was sentenced to death, but at the last minute it was commuted to Imprisonment on Norfolk Island for life. He was joined by Cash, who had miraculously cheated the hangman despite being convicted for murder. Their companion Jones unfortunately didn’t get the same leniency and was hanged.

Throughout 1846, anger had been rising among the convicts on Norfolk Island as the new administration had begun to repeal many practices introduced by the former, ousted administration, which encouraged compliance and hard work through rewards. Instead, they were punished with longer work hours, smaller rations, less privacy and more frequent floggings among other cruel and unusual punishments. In January their garden plots, with which they were permitted to grow their own vegetables, were taken away. Floggings were so frequent and so severe that the ground around the triangle was soaked with blood. Rations reduced when supplies free scarce. Promises to improve the situation were not honoured.

The breaking point was when the convicts’ utensils were confiscated by the authorities. This was the last sliver of civility the men had been permitted, and the guards were sent into the cells, while the prisoners were otherwise engaged, and removed the tin pots (from which the subsequent riot gets its name), kettles and any other implements.

When the convicts discovered the treachery, they secretly began to communicate and, the following day, William Westwood armed himself with an axe handle and incited the others to riot.

“Now my men,” said he, “I’ve made up my mind to bear this oppression no longer; but remember, I’m going to the gallows; if any man, therefore, funks, let him stand out of the way. Come on!”

Citizen (Sydney, NSW : 1846 – 1847), Saturday 31 October 1846, page 4

Westwood led on a heaving mass of furious convicts, similarly armed, as he attacked and killed four police and attempted to kill the commandant.

Soldiers soon arrived and suppressed the rioters. Fourteen were charged with the murders, twelve were convicted, including Lawrence Kavanagh and Westwood. As he awaited death, Westwood was adamant none of the other condemned men were guilty, only himself, but the execution went ahead on 13 October 1846. The bodies were dumped in a mass grave dubbed, Murderers Mound, where they remain.

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Spotlight: Execution of the Norfolk Island Rioters (1846)

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Saturday 14 November 1846, page 2

MULTUM IN PARVO.

(From late Australasian Papers.)

Twelve of the desperadoes at Norfolk Island had been hung, among whom were the notorious Jackey Jackey, and Lawrence Kavanagh, the Van Diemen’s Land bushranger.

[…]

Jackey Jackey was twenty-six years of age only when he suffered. On the scaffold he solemnly protested his belief in the innocence of four of the men who suffered with him. He left behind him, in the possession of the clergyman who attended him, a long written history of his career in guilt, of which the following is the last paragraph : “Sir the strong tyes of earth will soon be wrentched and the burning fever of this life will soon be quentched and my grave will be a heavens – a resten place for me Wm. Westwood. Sir out of the bitter cup of misery – I have drank from my sixteenth year 10 long years, and the sweetest draught is that which takes away the misery of living death – it is the friend that deceives no man – all will then be quiet no tyrant will disturb my repose I hope – Wm. Westwood. Sir I know bid the world adiue and all it contains. Wm. Westwood his wrighting.”

South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (Adelaide, SA : 1845 – 1847), Saturday 14 November 1846, page 3

NEWS FROM THE COLONIES.

NORFOLK ISLAND. — The Lady Franklin arrived yesterday morning, bringing intelligence of considerable interest. She had as passengers, Mr Gilbert Robertson, Superintendent of the Agricultural Department, and others, who have been suspended by Mr Price the Civil Commandant. The criminal sessions had not closed when the Franklin sailed. As principals in the riots, and the murders of Smith, Morris, and others, fourteen prisoners were tried. Of these twelve were found guilty and two acquitted. Of the twelve found guilty, and sentenced to die, were William Westwood (the well-known bushranger in New South Wales, and in this colony by the name of ” Jackey Jackey,”) and Lawrence Kavanagh, the associate of Cash and Jones in this colony. The twelve men found guilty were executed on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 13. Six of them at eight in the morning, and the other six at ten o’clock on the same day. The scene has been described to us, by eye-witnesses, as one of most awful solemnity. All the men died penitent. — Courier, 28th Oct.

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Spotlight: The Last Declaration of Jackey Jackey (1846)

Britannia and Trades’ Advocate (Hobart Town, Tas. : 1846 – 1851), Thursday 5 November 1846, page 2

Jackey Jackey. — Having inserted the letter of this man in our last page, we here give his dying, declaration, which appeared in the Spectator of Tuesday last:

(Copy.)

The dying Declaration of William Westwood, alias “Jackey Jackey.”

“I, William Westwood, wish to die in the Communion of Christ’s Holy Church, seeking mercy of God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. — Amen.

“I wish to say, as a dying man, that I believe four men now going to suffer are innocent of the crime laid to their charge, viz :— Lawrence Kavenagh, Henry Whiting, William Pickthorne, and William Scrimshaw. I declare that I never spoke to Kavenagh on the morning or the riots; and these other three men had no part in the killing of John Morris as far as I know of. I have never spoke a disrespectful word of any man since my confinement. I die in charity with all men, and now I ask your prayers for my soul!

William Westwood, Aged 26 years.”

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Spotlight: NORFOLK ISLAND RIOTS —Slaughter of Human Beings

Citizen (Sydney, NSW : 1846 – 1847), Saturday 31 October 1846, page 4

NORFOLK ISLAND RIOTS —SLAUGHTER OF HUMAN BEINGS

by the MONSTER WESTWOOD, alias JACKEY JACKEY.

We have been recently favoured with important intelligence from this Island, and as it is but rarely any of the doings of that unhappy spot reach the public ear or eye, we are glad to have it in our power to communicate an account of the late proceedings, upon which our readers may rely; and a more melancholy one can scarcely be imagined. The following is a correct account of the late transactions, and of the incentives, which terminated in so frightful and fatal a tragedy:

From a state of really quiet obedience, the island from the time the prisoners (who are not slow to appreciate character) began to perceive the weakness of the Superintendent, fell into a gradually increasing state of insubordination. Some of the prisoners cringed, others plotted, and more bullied him. It would occupy too much time to tell of the progressive steps by which the total insubordination of the convicts, and the disorganization of all system were brought about.

Mutinous disturbances began towards the close of last year. The ration of the prisoners has always been notoriously bad at Norfolk Island — throughout the year they have salt beef and maize meal only; so that but for the indulgence (always allowed them) of growing a few sweet potatoes in plots of ground marked out for their use, and cultivated by them on Saturday afternoons, their fare would have been positively destructive of life (as it often proved to newly-arrived prisoners.) On the 1st January a public order was posted stating that all their garden plots were to be taken from them. Then the prisoners refused to work unless some equivalent were given them; and to appease them half a pint of peas was promised to each man daily. At the end of four days the peas were said to be all issued, and there was another row. The Superintendent next promised they should have 8 oz. of 12-per-cent. flour served out in lieu of the peas. To add to this unhappy state of things the resident Police Magistrate was appointed from Van Diemen’s Land, who soon rendered himself an object of vengeance: flogging became general and furious — from 500 to nearly 2000 lashes would be inflicted of a morning, until the ground about the triangles was literally soaked with human blood. Matters daily grew worse.

About the first June the store of flour was reported to be nearly exhausted, and the 8 oz. was discontinued. The men became more clamorous than ever. By an order published in May, ’45, it was announced that, the gardens being no longer allowed, 2 lbs. of sweet potatoes should form part of the daily ration to each prisoner. During 14 months this order was hanging up before all eyes at every part of the island; the men read it, and repeatedly demanded their allowance of vegetables, which was still promised but withheld from them. When at last they became clamorous and furious, they were told it had been determined by a board that 2 oz. of salt pork was equivalent to 8 oz. of flour! (the ration issued instead of peas), and that this would be given to them instead of the potatoes, to which they were entitled. It is impossible to conceive the state of mind in which the men were described to be in at this time — goaded to the point of madness, they were fit for any desperate deed, and the deed was soon effected. Ever since the time of Major Anderson the prisoners were allowed a tin vessel to each mess, to cook their vegetables in; these, at the suggestion of the stipendary magsitrate, were to be taken away from them; and at the same time with an order announcing that the long-expected 2 lb. of potatoes would be issued, it was added that on the evening before the 1st July all their kettles would be seized. When all the prisoners were shut up in their wards, except the few attending school, the police went into the lumber-yard and took away all the obnoxious kettles, and everything belonging to the prisoners which they could find. At this time “Jackey Jackey” (William Westwood, notorious in this colony) was sitting in school, about seven o’clock, when a hand-cart came rattling into the barrack-yard, and a crash of tin vessels was heard. Jackey was busy in the intricacies of a sum at the moment, when he suddenly paused — lifted up his hand, held it elevated for a few seconds, as if list-ning and hesitating — then dashed down the pencil — pushed the slate off the table violently, and deliberately folding his arms, as if he had made up his mind, remained in deep thought the rest of the evening. Every man done likewise, and sat whispering until the school broke up. The following morning the men were all mustered for prayers, and during the service a murmuring sound was heard passing from bench to bench. It has since been thought that this was a signal for the slaughter of the officers present, but nothing of the kind was attempted then. After prayers all hands went to the lumber-yard, and finding the tins gone, they paused a moment, and marched back again, five or six deep to the barrack-yard in perfect silence, broke into the store, took out every vessel in it, and returned in the same manner to the lumber-yard. As they approached Jackey Jackey addressed his followers in a speech. “Now my men,” said he, “I’ve made up my mind to bear this oppression no longer; but remember, I’m going to the gallows; if any man, therefore, funks, let him stand out of the way. Come on!” — A loud cheer was here raised by his desperate followers. Morris, a policeman, was in the archway, Jackey Jackey with an immense bludgeon, others with sticks, one man with a reaping-hook, another with a pitchfork, rushed upon the uphappy man and knocked him down; he struggled and got into the room behind him; Jackey followed him, and beat his head to pieces. The men, made furious by the taste of blood, then proceeded to the cook house, where Stephen Smith, the police runner, was; the murderous villain rushed on him also, when poor Smith, who was formerly much liked by the prisoners, cried piteously, “for God’s sake, don’t hurt me, Jackey! Remember my poor wife and children !” “D — n your wife and children” was the horrible reply, accompanied by a blow which beat in poor Smith’s eye and the side of his face. The poor fellow’s shrieks for help were terrific, but in a second or two his cries were over for ever! From the cook-house, they proceeded towards the police-house at the barrack gate. At the corner of the road, Price, overseer of work, and a man named Ingram, were standing. Jackey made a furious rush at Price, aiming a deadly blow at him, but Price stooped and the blow fell upon Ingram, nearly killing him. The mob came rushing on with such violence that Jackey was pushed forward, and Price escaped, he knows not how, and ran for the police. The great object of the mob at this time seems to have been to seize the stipendary magistrate, Mr. Barrow, who sat at six in the morning to try cases; but on this morning he was on a board of survey, and so escaped. The beach guard, seeing the mob approaching, advanced, and forming near the gaol drove the rioters back. They then ran towards Government House, and on their way there, Westwood (Jackey) stopped at the lime-kiln, and entered the hut there with an axe which he had by this time obtained. Two policemen, Dinon and Saxton, were in bed; the former was actually asleep, when the cowardly villain smashed his skull by a blow of the axe, and Saxton only opened his eyes to see his death-blow fall from the hand of the same monster; the wounds were most appalling ones: the walls of the room were spattered with blood and brains. Westwood, after this atrocity, coolly lighted his pipe, and after a few puffs, shouted out “Now for the Christ-killer” and a cry was immediately raised — “To Barrow’s, to Barrow’s.” Happily the alarm given by Price had roused the military who were now under arms, and came running down the Water-road, when the rioters instantly retreated to the Lumber-yard, Westwood loudly denouncing their cowardice. The place was surrounded, and after much difficulty all the ringleaders were seized, and ahout sixty left to be tried by a Special Court of Criminal Sessions. So rests for the present this fearful tragedy — unparalleled heartless atrocity. — ‘Herald.’

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Spotlight: Daniel Priest on Trial

Launceston Examiner (Tas. : 1842 – 1899), Saturday 11 October 1845, page 6

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9.

Messrs. Jas. Henty, (foreman), Martin Edwards, W. S. Button. John Barrett, Wm. Birch, H. Gurr, Thos. Button, M. Mason, James Nokes, B. Francis, George Ross, and William Clarke.

Daniel Priest was arraigned this morning, and, in consequence of the wound in his foot, was accomodated with a seat in the dock. His countenance presented no expression of concern for his fate; on the contrary, he gazed about the court with an air of indifferent curiosity. He was charged with the robbery at Mr. Geo. Lucas’s, on 25th June, being at the time armed with a gun, and pleaded guilty. His Honor reminded the prisoner that the offence of which he stood charged was of a capital nature. Priest hesitated a moment, and said he did not plead guilty to using violence or attempting to take any man’s life, but admitted robbing the place whilst under arms. His Honor said that was the charge against him, but it was a capital offence.

Priest.—Your Honor, I plead guilty.

The plea was then recorded. There was another information against him, but he was not called upon to plead to it.

[…]

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10.

His Honor the Chief Justice took his seat at nine o’clock this morning, for the purpose of passing sentences.

Daniel Priest was first brought up for judgment, and being asked in the usual form whether he had anything to say why he should not be adjudged to die, merely shook his head.

His Honor then addressed him as follows :— “You stand convicted of robbery, being at the time armed with a gun, which, as no doubt you well knew at the time, is by the law of this colony a capital offence. Since you were last here, I have looked carefully through the depositions, and find that with reference to some of the property it appears doubtful whether it was actually taken in the presence of the prosecutor so as to constitute the offence of robbery, but respecting the money there can be no doubt whatever, as it was taken from the person of the prosecutor, and upon that at least conviction must have ensued had the case gone to a jury. On the evening mentioned you and your companions presented yourselves suddenly at the sitting room of Mr. Lucas and exhibited your arms; your companion then brought in a servant and part of the family who had been previously secured, and desired them to stand in a corner, whilst you yourself presented the piece at them keeping your finger on the trigger; then the work of plunder was commenced. This of itself was a shocking outrage not to be tolerated in any civilized country. I am aware of the merciful lenity with which the government have acted, in sparing the lives of men convicted of similar and more aggravated offences, but I do not think and cannot hold out to you the slightest hope of such result in your case. You have acquired a notoriety throughout the colony scarcely equalled, and although I have made no enquiry into other cases of robbery, alleged against you, I cannot but look upon you as a man who has been for years carrying on a lawless system of plunder, to the great terror of the colonists. If you have not actually resorted to personal violence, you have carried arms and uttered threats, by which people have through fear, suffered their property to be taken from before their very eyes. I cannot conceive, whatever disposition the government of the present day may have to extend mercy to persons of your description, not having attempted life or used actual violence as in the case of which you stand convicted. I cannot conceive, continued his Honor, that they will extend mercy to a person, who, like you, is known to have been a general terror — to have outraged all law — for years eluded all attempts at apprehension, and lived only by that system of lawless robbery to which this colony is particularly exposed. It is my duty to warn you solemnly: I feel that your life will not be spared, — and I hope sincerely you will from this moment make up your mind that the sentence I am about to pass will be carried into execution. I implore you to make the best of the little time you may expect to remain upon this earth.” His Honor passed sentence of death but having omitted a material part, repeated the words, adding with great earnestness, “May God have mercy on your guilty soul.”

Priest appeared restless, but his manner was not indicative of mental agitation. Notwithstanding his Honor’s remarks, the prisoner whilst receiving sentence appeared to be anticipating a reprieve. He limped out of the dock nodding familiarly to the people in the gallery.

William Gillan, the companion of Jackey Jackey was also sentenced to death, without hope of mercy, and implored with earnestness by his Honor, to prepare for the execution of the sentence.

[…]

John Wilson, James Lemon, larceny. His Honor said the prisoners (Nile bushrangers) had a narrow escape, for if it had been proved, the property was taken in the presence of the prosecutor, they would have been found guilty of the capital offence of robbery. Transported for seven years.

[…]

The court then broke up.

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Spotlight: Wilson and Lemon on Trial

Launceston Examiner (Tas. : 1842 – 1899), Saturday 11 October 1845, page 5

SUPREME COURT. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8.

Before his Honor Sir John Lewes Pedder, Knight, Chief Justice, and the following jury:—

Messrs. William Birch (foreman), I. A. Nathan, W. S. Turner, W. Mason, J. S. Waddell, F. Spencer, B. Francis. George Ross, W. S. Button, Israel Shaw, M. O’Halloran, and J. Barrett.

John Wilson and James Leamon, were indicted for feloniously stealing from the premises of John W. Rowles, two pound notes, provisions, and sundry articles of wearing apparel on the 17th day of July last. The prisoners, it will be remembered, were two bushrangers captured at the Nile by a party of constables, after a smart skirmish.

The prosecutor detailed the particulars of the robbery. On the evening of the 17th July, prisoners at the bar came to his house; he proceeded to the door, when both presented themselves, armed with double-barrelled guns; Wilson seized two guns that were in the house; shortly after prisoner said, “Don’t be alarmed, we want provisions, money, and clothes;” prisoners said they had four mates in the bush who were naked and starving; witness saw Wilson throwing out clothes and other articles into the kitchen; Wilson came out of the room with a pistol in his hand, and asked witness for his money; he replied he had no money; Mrs. Rowles ran out of the bed-room, when witness told her to give up what money was in the house; Wilson went a second time into the bed-room, to have a further search for money, but finding none, prisoners commenced packing up the stolen property; no violence was offered to either witness or his wife; prisoners on going away said, “Good-night, God bless you both, we wish you well”; witness heard the report of fire-arms a few minutes after prisoners left his house; witness’s clothes were brought back shortly afterwards by constables attached to the Morven police.

Maria Rowles corroborated the testimony of Mr. Rowles, respecting the manner in which prisoners acted.

Constable Moore, deposed, he visited Rowles’s house on the night of the 17th July; saw two men come out, whom he challenged; prisoners said they were Launceston constables; witness desired them to lay down their arms, when prisoners requested witness to do the same; two other constables being convenient, witness said “look out,” and immediately both prisoners fired, which was returned by the other constables; a knapsack fell from one of the prisoners, in which witness found the articles produced.

Constable Ingram, apprehended one of the prisoners, at a place called the Broad Valley, on the 15th August last.

The prisoner Wilson, in his defence, said that a mistake was made in their identification. The jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of “guilty of the larceny,” as there was no proof that the articles were taken on the premises of the prosecutor.

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