Spotlight: Westwood writes to his parents (29 April 1847)

In a former number we gave the copy of a letter written by William Westwood, better known as Jackey Jackey, and at the time of its appearance an attempt was made to shew that he had died breathing a spirit of bitterness very unsuited to any man at the last hour of his existence. What the motives for doing Westwood such an injustice, it is not our present purpose to inquire; certain however it is, that such was not the fact, as the following copy of another letter will show. “Justice to free and bond” is our maxim in such matters, and we see no reason why the last dying thoughts of the malefactor should not be as fairly represented as those of him whose life has not been forfeited to the offended laws of his country. Continue reading Spotlight: Westwood writes to his parents (29 April 1847)

The Parkes Letter

My dear Sir Henry Parkes

I find by the newspapers that you have been very liberal in offering a reward for the Kelly gang or any one of them Now Sir Henry the man that takes I Captain E. Kelly will have to be a plucky man for I do not intend to be taken alive. And as I would as soon die in NSW as Victoria I will give you or any other person who wishes to take me a fair chance to try your pluck.

Continue reading The Parkes Letter

Spotlight: “I Welcome Death as a Friend” – The Last Letter of William Westwood

For his part in leading a prison riot at Norfolk Island that resulted in the death of a prison guard, William Westwood (alias Jackey Jackey) was sentenced to execution by hanging. On the eve of his execution, Westwood dictated a letter to be given to the Protestant Reverend. It is herein reproduced in its entirety. Continue reading Spotlight: “I Welcome Death as a Friend” – The Last Letter of William Westwood