Tag: Mad Dog Morgan

Spotlight: Morgan the Bushranger (30/01/1864)

Freeman’s Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 – 1932), Saturday 30 January 1864, page 7

COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

Morgan the Bushranger. — The old friend of the inhabitants of the Billybong, known as the celebrated Morgan, on Tuesday last, the 12th inst., paid a visit to Wilberforce’s Hotel, Piney Ranges. He said that he called there in consequence of reports that had been circulated about him which were untrue. He was bad enough, but did not want to be made worse than he really was. He behaved in a very gentlemanly manner. The landlord asked him to have a drink, which he accepted, and had a bottle of porter. While drinking it, Morgan said, “Wilberforce, you are smoking a very handsome pipe; I should like to have it.” The landlord then said, “Morgan, you shan’t take it; I will make you a present of it.” He said, “I don’t want to take anything form you,” and thanked Mr. Wilberforce for the pipe. After this a bottle of porter was tossed for, which he lost and paid for. He then stated that he had no wish to molest anyone, and if he was not interfered with, be would not interfere with them. He remained for nearly three hours, sitting in the verandah; then left saying, “Good afternoon, Mr. Wilberforce.” Mr, Wilberforce told him he would publish all that transpired. Morgan said, “Publish what you like but don’t make the devil blacker than he really is.” — Border Post.

“What do you ask for this article?” inquired an exquisite of a young shop-woman. “Fifteen shillings,” was the reply. “Arn’t you a little dear?” said he. “Well,” she replied, blushing considerably, “All the young men tell me so.”

Posted on by AJFPhelan56 0

Spotlight: Morgan’s Outrage at Kyamba (16/01/1865)

Illustrated Sydney News (NSW : 1853 – 1872), Monday 16 January 1865, page 9

MORGAN’S OUTRAGE AT KYAMBA.

ON the 13th ultimo this notorious murderer paid a visit to Kyamba.

At about noon he made his appearance, at the camp of Mr. Adams, road contractor, and bailed up all his men, and, as the contractor had no cash in hand, he set fire to the tents thus. ruthlessly destroying at least £15 or £20 worth of property. Five Chinamen having made their appearance he ordered them to strip, with a view to searching their garments; they, not understanding the command, and, therefore, apparently hesitating to put it in force, he shot one of them in the arm, just below the shoulder joint. He then robbed the lot, but all the money he found on them was trifling — one small gold piece, and about thirty shillings in silver — the latter he threw away, from his chagrin. He remained at the camp till 5 p.m., having caused tea to be made and a damper prepared for him. Everything, including the account-book of the contractor, was destroyed.

He did not tie the men or secure them in any way, but kept them in such a position as rendered it difficult to have rushed him without incurring a further loss of life. The only weapon in the place was a double-barrel gun unloaded. Morgan said, “He did not like double-barrel guns,” and took it away with him. In the afternoon, Mr. Jones, another contractor, paid a visit to the camp soon after it had been set on fire; he was likewise secured, together with a traveller and two or three other men residing in the neighbourhood, who came there on horseback. On leaving he took these men with him. He made one of them carry the gun, and took them over the mountains to eight miles south of Kyamba. Here he met two buggies, in one of which was Mr. and Mrs. Manson, and in the other were two young men. These he immediately stopped, ordering them out of their buggie; and because Mr. Manson seemed to hesitate, he threatened to shoot the whole of them on the spot. Having got them out, he stripped Mr. Manson, and searched the pockets of the others, taking about £6 in all. He conversed freely for some hours, detailing his various exploits at great length, and dwelling, particularly upon the murder of M’Ginnerty and Smyth, of which he made no attempt at concealment. He stated that he had watched Smyth’s party five days, in order to make sure of the right man. He spoke of three men whom he was determined to shoot before “retiring from business:” — Mr. M’Kenzie, late of Mundarloo; Mr. M’Laurin, of Yarra Yarra; and Sergeant Carroll. On these he expressed himself determined to be revenged; and with respect to the former he declared that if he once had him in his power, £5000 would not save his life. Soon after Mr. Manson had escaped, the mail to Albury arrived, but being very light, Morgan allowed it to pass. Shortly afterwards, the Albury mail arrived, when he ordered the driver to stop. This not being instantly complied with, he fired a shot at him to bring him to. He then made him get out and hold the horses’ heads, while he ransacked the mails.

MORGAN SHOOTING THE CHINAMAN. — [SEE PAGE 9.]

Posted on by AJFPhelan56 0

Spotlight: Morgan’s Last Exploit (14/11/1864)

Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 – 1954), Monday 14 November 1864, page 3

MORGAN’S LAST EXPLOIT.

On the subject of Morgan’s last exploit, the Pastoral Times, of the 5th, has the following:

“On Sunday last, Morgan, the murderer, stuck up the Yarrabee Station, on the Yanko. Early in the morning he met two stockmen employed on the station, apprehended them on a charge of horse-stealing, placed them in a hut, and said he should take them to Wagga Wagga. He left the hut for a short time, and on returning, announced himself in his own proper character. In the course of the morning he captured two more prisoners, and keeping the lot in the hut until evening, he marched them down to the home station. Morgan had by this time been joined by a mate, and the two villains then imprisoned every one about the the [sic] station. No violence was committed, but they heated a branding-iron and threatened to brand Mr. Waugh, the Superintendent, and Mr. Apps, the storekeeper. Mrs. Apps, a widow, and daughter-in-law of the storekeeper, offered Morgan jewellery and a £5 note not to carry out his barbarous threat. Morgan declined to receive them, stating he did not come there to rob a poor widow. And this from a murderer! What hypocrisy! He will not rob a widow, but the villain would make one without a moment’s consideration. When he shot McGinnerty did he think of the misery he was inflicting on the sergeant’s family? The shot was fired in cold blood without even an outlaw’s excuse of being in self-defence. The branding, however, was not resorted to, and the only property stolen consisted of two saddles and bridles and clothing out of the store. They burnt all the other saddles and bridles they could find. During the thieves’ stay, one of the station hands asked if he could go; ‘Yes,’ said Morgan, ‘you can if you want to be shot.’ The flaps of Morgan’s saddle were observed to have been cut away, and he stated he had used them for gun wadding. About three o’clock on Monday morning they took their departure, and information was sent to the Urana police. Judging from past experience, the next report in connection with this robbery will be the fact of the police having, in company with a black tracker, followed Morgan until the horses were knocked up, and they were thus forced to abandon the pursuit. This is the stereotyped tale, but the time has come when the public will not longer suffer themselves to be thus befooled. We do not wish to cast blame on the officers and police in the bushrangers’ district, but in the name of the public we demand that the bushrangers shall be hunted down or out of the country. The trackers have often proved their ability to follow a trail, but successful results have failed from horses breaking down. Should such a circumstance stop pursuit? Fresh horses should be borrowed, bought, or impressed and the trail followed at any expense. If the track became effaced, the tracker might make “a cast,” and if found again carry it on. The successful manner in which the Duff children were tracked shows how efficient the natives are, and their ability, if properly supported, to hunt down their quarry. If Morgan and villains of his stamp cannot be caught in this way, they can surely be cleared out of the country, which, under present circumstances, would be a great relief to all residing in the dangerous district.”

Posted on by AJFPhelan56 0

Spotlight: The Bushranger Morgan (23/09/1864)

McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser (Heathcote, Vic. : 1863 – 1918), Friday 23 September 1864, page 3

THE BUSHRANGER MORGAN.

The following more detailed accounts of the shooting of Sergeant Smyth by Morgan is from a Gundagai paper:— A party of police, consisting of Senior Sergeant Smyth, Senior Constable Baxter, Constables Connor, and Maguire, and a blackfellow named Jimmy Reed, were camped on Sunday night at Dougal’s Swamp, near Keighran’s station. They had just got tea, and were lying in the tent yarning, as is usually done by persons camped out. They had no sentry on guard – that duty being delayed until they “turned in” for the night. Suddenly their discourse was cut short by a volley being fired into the tent amongst them. Sergeant Smyth immediately jumped to his feet, calling on his men to follow him – he firing two shots in the direction he fancied the volley came from. The men who rushed out of the tent immediately after him, scoured the bush in every direction, as well as the darkness would allow them, but failed to find any traces of the ruffians; but, from the tracks discovered at daylight next morning, they must have overrun the bushrangers in the dark. They remained in the scrub about an hour, when they, after some consultation, deemed it better to return to the tent, which, considering that the night was dark, and the surrounding scrub would completely shelter the attacking party, was, to say the least, attended with some danger. Baxter and Connor crawled on their hands and knees to the tent, and found Smyth lying on his back dangerously wounded, and fast bleeding to death. They took everything out of the tent; and, having covered poor Smyth up in the few blankets they had, they managed to convey him to Keighran’s station, he still bleeding and suffering great pain, where they remained until day light. Constable Baxter and the black fellow then took up the track near the tent, and started to follow the ruffians up. The other two constables proceeded to the Ten Mile Creek, to give information and obtain medical aid for Smyth. Superintendent McLerie who was proceeding to Sydney on sick leave, happened to be at that place; and he immediately ordered his buggy to be taken off its springs, and the body to be used as a stretcher to convey Smyth to Ten Mile Creek. From the position of the bullet holes in the tent, there cannot have been less than five bushrangers. There are seven bullet holes in the tent; the bullets were picked up inside of it, some of them belonging to a large bore pistol. Constable Connor had a very narrow escape. He was lying down, leaning on his elbow, in the tent, when one of the balls went through the sleeve of his coat, inflicting a slight wound about two inches above the elbow joint. Superintendent McLerie has deemed it necessary to return to Albury for the present. Sub-inspector Morrow and a party of police have started from Albury in pursuit of the bushrangers; and Sub-inspector Zouch has left Wagga Wagga on similar duty. A strange incident occurred in connection with this cowardly attack. Shortly after the party were camped, two men came up and were admiring the site chosen for the camp, remarking that they could not have chosen better. They are well known as bush “telegraphs,” being the two men to whose house Sergeant Carroll traced Morgan some time back. Sergeant Smyth’s wound is a very dangerous one. The ball entered immediately above the nipple of the left breast, following the course of the ribs, and came out under the left shoulder-blade; so that, while the wound may not be considered mortal, yet fatal results may ensue from it. The people are greatly excited on this muderous attack, which in cold-blooded treachery far surpasses the Lachlan escort robbery. — Age.

Posted on by AJFPhelan56 1

Spotlight: Morgan the Bushranger (16/07/1864)

Illustrated Sydney News (NSW : 1853 – 1872), Saturday 16 July 1864, page 7

MORGAN THE BUSHRANGER.

THIS miscreant, emboldened by the impunity with which he has for months past robbed travellers and levied blackmail from the squatters in the Albury district, occasionally diversifying his exploits by burning down a woolshed or destroying a settler’s account books, has added two murders to his crimes. On the 19th ult., he encountered Sergeant Carroll, of Wagga Wagga, about twenty miles from Albury, and several shots were exchanged without effect. During the afternoon of the same day he visited the Roundhill station, belonging to Messrs. Henty, and, after dismounting, put his horse into the stable. There were a number of men about the huts, whom the ruffian, with a revolver in each hand, ordered to go into the carpenter’s shop, and after asking Mr. Watson, the superintendent, if the men got enough rations, ordered him to go and bring four bottles of grog, which were drank; after carousing for hours, Morgan was about taking his departure, when Mr. Watson incautiously made some remark about stolen stirrup irons. Morgan immediately drew his revolver, and, aiming amongst the men, fired, wounding Mr. Watson in the hand; another shot hit Mr. John Heriot (son of Mr. Heriot, of the Caraboola station), and smashed his leg; he then fired twice at a man named Connor, who attempted to escape, and as the other men also ran away he fired at them several times. Mr. Heriot retreated about thirty yards, dragging his broken limb along the ground, and then fell, when Mr. McLean, one of the overseers, perceiving that he was badly hurt, lifted him up, carried him into the house, and laid him on one of the beds. Morgan came in soon afterwards, and on expressing himself sorry for having committed such an outrage, Mr. McLean asked if he had any objection to his going for a doctor; Morgan gave his permission, and Heriot requested McLean to take his horse and go quickly. The poor fellow at once started on his errand of mercy, and had got a few miles on the way, when Morgan overtook him, and said, “You —— wretch, you are going to lay an information,” and immediately fired, shooting McLean through the back, the ball entering the right side, below the tenth rib, passed through his stomach, and came out about three inches above the navel. McLean then fell from his horse and Morgan rode into the bush, leaving his victim lying on the ground writhing in agony. After a short time he returned, and putting McLean on his horse returned with him to the station, and calling one of the men assisted in removing him to his bed. Some person having asked how it occurred, Morgan said “one of his mates had shot him.” In reply to Mr. Heriot, McLean stated, “I was riding along the road, and, when just past the sheep station, Morgan said, ‘You —— wretch, you are going to lay an information,’ and fired at me.” Dr. Hill, a neighbouring squatter, visited the unfortunate man on Monday, and, perceiving that no medical aid could prevent the wound proving fatal, advised him to send for any of his friends that he wished to see; and on his expressing a desire to see his uncle, he was sent for, and arrived the next day. To him, also McLean reiterated the statement as to how he came by the wound, and, after great suffering, expired at midnight.

Morgan stayed at the station, drinking, until about two o’clock on Monday morning, and about five minutes after he left Sub-inspector McLerie, with a party of police, arrived, and on obtaining particulars of the affair, and the route taken by Morgan, they immediately followed in pursuit. “Pursued by the police” has long since become a stereotyped phrase in connexion with their ineffectual efforts to stop the career of our western banditti, and the chase after Morgan was another of those futile efforts so characteristic of the new force, for it has since turned out that he camped for the night about a mile and a half from the scene of his outrages; from thence it appears he crossed the country towards Tumbarumba, and on the morning of Friday, the 24th, Sergeant McGinity and Trooper Churchill overtook him about five miles from the Copabella station, but having no idea who he was, the sergeant rode up alongside of him. Morgan said, “You are one of those wretches looking for bushrangers,” and fired, shooting McGinity through the heart. His body was afterwards found close to the road, his hat having been placed in the centre of the path, apparently by Morgan, to attract attention. Churchill returned to Tumbarumba professedly ignorant of what had occurred. During the afternoon of the 24th, Morgan stuck up Mr. O’Hare, publican, of Tumbarumba, and took away his horse, but abandoned it after going about a quarter of a mile.

Morgan is reported to be a native of Appin, about thirty-three years of age, dark complexion, long hair and whiskers, and about 5ft. 9in., or 5ft. 10in., in height. He commenced his criminal career at an early age, and has served a term of penal servitude at Pentridge Stockade, in Victoria. On obtaining a ticket of leave there he returned to the Ovens district, and commenced his depredations under the cognomen of “Billy the Native,” or “Sydney Bill.” Sergeant McGinity was an old and respected member of the police force; he has left a widow and six children, bereft of their protector by the atrocity of this blood-thirsty ruffian, and it is to be hoped their case will receive the immediate attention of the Government.

Posted on by AJFPhelan56 0

Spotlight: Morgan. Bushranger and Murderer (07/07/1864)

Mount Alexander Mail (Vic. : 1854 – 1917), Thursday 7 July 1864, page 2

MORGAN. BUSHRANGER AND MURDERER.

When and where is it to end? is the remark made by everybody. Are we never to hear the end of Morgan? Apparently not, until in a drunken fit, or by the accidental discharge of his own revolver, the world is rid of the now doubly-dyed miscreant. We have still another week of Morgan’s murders and misdeeds to recount. Late last night we heard from persons in from Tumbarumba, that the mailman, Brooker, who rides with the mail on horseback from Tumbarumba to Ten Mile Creek, on his journey on Wednesday, came upon the dead body of a man, some three miles above Mr. Robinsons Copabella Station, but having heard firing a few minutes before, he pushed on. Is this a third murder we shall have to put down to Morgan’s fearful account within a week? When is he to be shot as a native dog ? — Albury Banner. July 2nd.

Wednesday’s Bathurst Times says:— “It was rumoured yesterday that information had been received that the wretch Morgan has added another atrocity to the long list of crimes which has rendered him so infamous. He is said to have met a woman riding through the bush, and on “demanding money from her, which she was unable to give, compelled her to dismount, and tying her to a tree, stripped off her clothes, in order to search them more effectually. He had scarcely time to examine the garments, when he was disturbed by the noise of a party approaching. Gathering the clothes in a heap, he set them on fire, and, jumping hastily on his horse, galloped away, leaving his poor defenceless victim literally naked. The poor woman’s screams attended the attention of the party, who proved to be three stockmen driving horses through the bush, and on coming up, they set her at liberty and divested themselves of portions of their own clothing, to enable her to resume her journey.”

The Yass Courier of 29th ult. states that Morgan, the bushranger, is a native of Appin, and is about thirty-two or thirty-three years of age. His father was blind, and, after his death, which occurred many years ago, his mother married again. Young Morgan “turned out” early in life, and while yet a lad stole a horse from the police magistrate of Campbelltown. The constables went in pursuit of him, but he succeeded in evading their search. It is said that when they were trotting their horses after him, he kept at the same pace as they did, and when they galloped he used to put spurs to his horse and outstrip them in speed. He at last managed to double on them, and, returning to the neighborhood of Campbelltown, succeeded in stealing two more horses, with which he made his way in the interior, where he disposed of them. Subsequently to this he pursued the calling of stock-keeper on the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers, and from there proceeded to Port Philip, where he committed some depredation, and was sentenced to a term of penal servitude at Pentridge. We understand that at present he is a ticket-of-leave holder. Although carrying on his exploits alone, he, like the rest of the bushrangers, has acquired a number of friends amongst both the large and small settlers in the neighborhood of Billabong who receive a share of booty and also share his immunity from punishment.

Posted on by AJFPhelan56 0

Spotlight: Background on Morgan (05/07/1864)

Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong, NSW : 1856 – 1950), Tuesday 5 July 1864, page 3

Morgan, the Bushranger.

The “Yass Courier'”gives the following account of this bloodthirsty scoundrel : — Morgan is a native of Appin, and is about thirty two or thirty-three years of age. His father was blind, and after his death, which occurred many years ago, his mother married again. Young Morgan “turned out” early in life, and while yet a lad, stole a horse belonging to the police magistrate of Campbelltown. The constables went in pursuit of him, but he succeeded in evading their search. It is said that when they were trotting their horses after him he kept at the same pace as they did, and when they galloped he used to put spurs to his horse and outstrip them in speed, he at last managed to double on them, and, returning to the neighbourhood of Campbelltown, succeeded in stealing two more horses, with which he made his way into the interior where be disposed of them. Subsequently to this he pursued the calling of stock-keeper on the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers, and from there proceeded to Port Phillip, where he committed some depredation, and was sentenced to a term of penal servitude at Pentridge. We understand that at present he is a ticket of leave holder Although carrying on his exploits alone, he, like the rest of the bushrangers, has acquired a number of friends amongst both the large and small settlers in the neighbourhood of Billabong, who receive a share of booty, and also share his immunity from punishment.

We regret that while recording two more bloody outrages of the wretch, we have not the satisfaction of announcing his capture. It is difficult to imagine how eleven men could entertain for so many hours this unparalleled scoundrel without making the smallest attempt to secure him. It would seem from his exploits at Mrs Vincent’s station, and more recently at that of Mr Henty, that his safety lies in the number of those he bails up; for, on neither of the occasions to which we refer, was any resistance shown. On the other hand something like gameness was exhibited by sergeant Carroll when he encountered the ruffian near the Round Hill Station, on the 18th instant. The trooper fired three shots at him, and thus challenged Morgan to show his pluck, This, however, he does not appear to have done, but galloped away. It will, probably, be recollected that Carroll was the policeman who single handed and ill provided with arms, attacked Piesley near Mundarlo, when that scoundrel was endeavouring to make his escape from justice after the murder of Benyon. Sergeant Maginnity, whose death at the hands of Morgan is stated in our telegraphic intelligence, was at one time stationed at Gundagai and more recently at Tumbarumba. He was regarded by his superior officers as an active and courageous man, and his death will be a loss to the service.

Posted on by AJFPhelan56 0

Spotlight: Wendlan Subscription (26 May 1865)

Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1859 – 1929), Friday 26 May 1865, page 3

An appeal is being made to the squatters of Riverina and Victoria towards the fund now being collected for the benefit of John Wendlan, who shot Morgan, the bushranger. Messrs Goldsbrough and Co, Power, Rutherford, and Parker and Ainslie, are interesting themselves in the matter. The owners of the Peechelba Station state that Wendlan has been in their employ for four years, that he had conducted himself to their entire satisfaction, lie is steady, and any fund collected for his benefit would be put to good use. He has, acting on the advice of the police, left the Peechelba Station, as he was in some danger from Morgan’s friends, who doubtless would be glad of an opportunity to avenge their comrade’s death. Wendlan only received L300 from the New South Wales Government, and he is now out of employment. It is therefore hoped that the squatters of New South Wales, Riverina, and Victoria will unite in aiding to set the courageous young man up as a farmer

Posted on by AJFPhelan56 0

Mad Dog Morgan by Rodd Sherwin

There’s a long tradition of folk songs about our notorious bushrangers, and it certainly seems that isn’t changing any time soon. Queensland artist, and writer Rodd Sherwin has thrown his hat into the ring with a ballad about Daniel Morgan. The piece began life many years ago as lyrics for a song based on the story of Morgan, but as it developed the desire for it to be put to music grew ever more irresistible.

Sherwin’s friend, musician Jeremy Williams, has taken the words and crafted them into a song that has now been recorded. It will be available to hear across a range of platforms including YouTube and Spotify from 07/05/2022.

To learn more about Rodd, you can visit his website here.

To learn more about Jeremy Williams you can visit his website here and SoundCloud here.

To stream the song you can find links here, and you can watch it on YouTube here.

Mad Dog Morgan

Born to one, George Fuller
A ‘Bastard’ of a child
Perhaps that was the portent
For a life spent running wild.
Arrested at an early age
For larceny and livestock theft
The Judge then duly sent him down
To the prison hulk ‘Success’

Released as a ‘Ticket Man’
He finally came back
And very soon was known as
Young ‘Down the River Jack’.
While adopting this persona
He maintained his life of crime
‘Till Squatter Evans wounded him
Disappearing down the line.

By the new name, Daniel Morgan
The bushranger ventured out
A manic highway raider now
With all his sanity in doubt.
He committed violent outrage
Convinced he was to blame
The folk around all labelled him
‘Mad Dog’ – such was his fame.

His rugged hirsute features
The sharp eyes and long hooked nose
Did little to alleviate
His hapless victim’s woes.
These sudden night intrusions
Appeared in such a way
A Mad Dog with the posture
Of a fearsome bird of prey.

Possessed by an obsession
Upon this oath he swore
To cross the River Murray
And settle an old score.
While on his road to vengeance
Someone heard him say
‘T’is the end for that cur Evans
This ‘Dog’ will have his day.’

Accused of several murders
And robbery by stealth
He bailed up mail stage coaches
And homes of men of wealth.
He became a hunted outlaw
With a huge price upon his head
Until they finally tracked him down
Found where his trail had led.

Stalked by Johnny Windlaw
Who shot Dan in the back
The Mad Dog Morgan died there
Unaware of an attack.
Herein lies the irony
Daniel’s life should end this way
This is how the adage goes
Each ‘Dog’ must have it’s day.

A video preview of Mad Dog Morgan by Jeremy Williams [Courtesy: Rodd Sherwin]
Posted on by AJFPhelan56 0

Spotlight: Morgan the Bushranger – Latest Particulars (19 April 1865)

Gippsland Times (Vic. : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 19 April 1865, page 3

MORGAN, THE BUSHRANGER

The following are the latest particulars, epitomised from the Herald, concerning the movements of the desperado a few days prior to his death:–

His last exploit in New South Wales was sticking up the Kyamba mail, after which he proceeded by way of Tumberumba, in the Billabong district, to the Murray, crossing that river at Yoe or Thugulong, about 20 or 30 miles from Albury. He was next seen at Mr. J. Wilson’s station, Wallangatta, from which he stole a racing mare and another horse dur[ing] the night, being able to get clear off with his spoil, as Mr. Wilson was from home and the superintendent away to the back country with weaners, taking all the shepherds and dogs with him. There was thus nothing to give the alarm; and Morgan was allowed plenty of leisure to effect his depredations. The mare (Victoria) stolen was a very valuable animal, and had been purchased by Mr. Yuille for the Champion Race in January next. She had been brought in only a few days before for the purpose of allowing an agent of Mr. Yuille to inspect her qualities, and he having approved of her, the bargain was concluded in Melbourne with Mr. Wilson’s agents on the 3rd April, nine hours after the animal had been abstracted. On the station was found a strange horse, with a very large tumour full of matter on one of the cheeks, which was supposed to have belonged to Morgan, he being in the habit of kicking his horses on the side of the head to accelerate their speed. From this it was supposed to be the animal on which he had entered Victorian ground.

He was next seen at Mr. McKinnon’s station, Tawnga, on the Little River, on the Wednesday evening. This place is distant 50 miles from Wallangatta. He stuck up two men who were in the yard, and drove them, pistol in hand, before him into the house. He chatted familiarly upon the qualities of his horse with McKinnon, and accounted for a swelling in her fetlock by saying that a log had rolled down and struck her while he was leading her down the ranges. He then took a man with him as guide, as far as Mr. Roper’s station, Mullindolingong, where he pressed another man into his service, and made for the Messrs Evans’ station, on the King River, crossing the Ovens at Wodonga. Here Morgan bailed up every one he saw, and among the rest Mr. Evans’ brother, whom he informed that it was his intention to shoot Mr. Evans and Mr. Bond, of Degamero. Mr. John Evans asked him why he should wish to hurt his brother, when it was Mr. Bond who inflicted the injury of which he complained, to which Morgan replied that Mr. Evans was equally as bad, being an accessory to the affair. He searched the house, but took no money, and behaved in a very polite manner to Mrs Evans, saying he did not wish either to hurt or frighten her. He would not partake of a glass of grog offered to him, saying that he only drank occasionally. He conversed freely about his past career, and said he had been imprisoned in Pentridge for a crime of which he was guiltless ; that he got 12 year lard labour, but was released when he had done six years and 15 weeks ; that he came up to Yackandandah where he asked a man for a job, which was refused him on account of his having been at Pentridge, and that he then determined never again to ask for employment. He seemed to have a bitter recollection of his treatment at Pentridge, and swore he would rather die than serve another three years in it. After breakfast he bade Mr. Evans accompany him to a creek where he had left his horse, and in the course of a walk of two or three miles he entered into a defence of his conduct respecting the Round Hill murder, denying that he was either drunk or mad. Upon Dr. Evans asking him if he felt any remorse for the people he had killed, he said he did not; the only thing he felt sorry for being the wounding of Mr Heriot. It was very fortunate for Mr. Evans’ brother that he was from home, and that what may be considered a special chain of circumstances prevented him when he returned following in the wake of the bushranger as he had intended for most assuredly had Morgan set eyes upon him, he would have slaughtered him, such a deadly hatred did he bear against him.

He was next seen on the adjoining run of Mr. McBain where he bailed up a Melbourne hawker, taking from him a sum of between £5 and £6. He afterwards bailed up three dray-men, telling them he was Morgan, robbed them of what they possessed and told them he was going to shoot Mr Bond. With one of them he exchanged boots, observing – “I hear they have got my ‘phiz’ in the Waxworks ; these are a policeman’s boots, if you sell them you may get something for them.” He thence proceeded to Winton, a small township about 20 miles south of Wangaratta, on the main line of road between Melbourne and Albury, where he arrived about dusk on Friday evening. As he rode past the fence of Whitty’s public house his peculiar style of horsemanship, riding in-kneed, attracted the attention of Miss Whitty, who was standing at the verandah of the hotel. She exclaimed, ” I shouldn’t wonder if that man is a Sydney native; look at the way he rides” She then took another look at him, and said loudly, ” Why, he is very like Morgan ; he just resembles the man in the Waxworks.” The horseman, hearing the remark, turned turned round and scowled at her, but made no observation, and rode out in the direction of Wangaratta, robbing a carrier who had camped for the night a short distance from the hotel.

On that night and Saturday morning Morgan was in possession of the road within three miles of Benalla to within six miles south of Wangaratta. He stopped nearly every person he saw, but seldom searched them, being apparently satisfied with their assurances that they had got no more cash. One man named Cochrane drew out his purse, and while opening it managed to press a £5 note against the side in such a manner as to render it invisible, and showed to Morgan 3s. 6d. in silver, then he replied, “It’s just like you b___y Victorians, none of you are worth sticking up!” He here missed a rich haul of £200, as he allowed a contractor named Stewart to escape his toils, fancying he had nothing worth while robbing him of. He then went to Warby’s station, but found the master from home ; he, however, behaved very politely to Mrs. Warby, plucking grapes with her in the garden, and chatting quite familiarly. Hearing the sound of horses’ feet coming up, he requested her to go inside, saying it was the police, and that he would show her some fun, as he was determined to fight them. He stood in the doorway, carelessly twirling his revolver, but finding it a false alarm, he stole a horse, and struck across the country for Connelly’s, but, the evening being bad he lost his way.

He, however, came upon a road leading to Peechelba, where he met Mr. Telford, a relation of Mr. McPherson’s, and two other men, whom he compelled to accompany him to the station. Mr Telford remonstrated with him upon compelling an old man like him to travel on such a miserable day ; but Morgan replied: that he had a head to lose, and if he let him go he might give information to the police. Since he had entered Victoria he had travelled about 200 miles, something in the shape of three fourths of a circle, and was now at Peechelba, only seven miles from the Murray border. It was here that the ruffian’s career of crime was to be brought to an inglorious close, but the particular as to how he met his death, have before been published in our columns. The following extract will serve to show how even ministers were affected –

“Among the volunteers was a clergyman, who remained at the station during the night, and was on the spot when Morgan was shot. Instead, however, of offering him any of the consolations of his religion, he left that duty to be performed by a pound-keeper, and mounted his horse to return to Wangaratta, ostensibly for the purpose of preaching to his flock, but when he got there he was too much excited by the scene he had witnessed, to be able to fulfil his ordinary avocation. Surely he must have remembered the saying of his Master, “They that are whole need not a physician, but those that are sick!” and though his exertions to bring him to a sense of his condition would doubtless have proved of no avail, he might at least have done his best to effect that object.

It would take up too much space to narrate Morgan’s career within the last few years. Suffice it to say that on the 10th June, 1854, he was tried before Sir Redmond Barry (the then Acting Chief Justice) under the name of John Smith, alias the Sydney Native, for robbery under arms at Avoca. The plundered men were a hawker named John Duff and a bullock driver in his employ. The prisoner ordered a shepherd of Mr. Orr’s to tie each separately to different trees, and then he compelled the shepherd to go to his hut, where the prisoner tied him up also, fastening him by his belt to the bed. He stole from the hawker a revolver, a coat, trousers and £5 in money. This took place on the 17th April 1854, and on the 5th May following he was arrested by Sergeant Cahill, of the Mounted Police, and a trooper, concealed under a bed in a hut on Menzies’ run. He made a violent resistance, presenting two revolvers, one in each hand, at the two constables; and it was only when the officers threatened to shoot him that he surrendered. Some of the stolen property was found in his possession, and the evidence being considered conclusive, he was convicted and sentenced to 12 years on the roads, the first ten in irons. The description which is given it the gaol books leaves no doubt that John Smith and Daniel Morgan were one and the same party. He is decribed as follows:

“John Smith, alias the Sydney native, native of New South Wales born 1821, five feet 10¼ inches in height, slight build, dark complexion, black hair, hazel eyes, can read and write well, three moles on his left hand, and several on his back, a native of Campbelltown, N,S.W. a Catholic, trade a labourer.”

He was sent to the hulk President on the 20th August 1854, and was subsequently removed to Pentridge whence he was released in 1860 with a ticket-of-leave for the Ovens.. Here he commenced stealing horses, and a warrant was issued for his apprehension from the Wangarratta Bench, which was never executed. Finding the Victorian territory too hot to hold him, he went over to New South Wales, and his history there for the last two years, when he first resorted to violence, must be fresh: in the memory of our readers.

Posted on by AJFPhelan56 0