The offence for which Collyer suffered, and the general outrage committed by the bush-rangers are too well known to need any retrospection or remark. That banditti is exinct, and will in future exist only in the recollection of the settlers whose peace and property they invaded. Continue reading Spotlight: Execution of Richard Collyer (1818)
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)
In the penultimate installment of Calder’s biography of Michael Howe we learn of the outlaw’s final days and his gruesome death. Continue reading Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 7)
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)
In this installment, the gang continue to move in an effort to evade capture. We also learn more about “Mad Tom” Davey, the eccentric lieutenant governor, and the introduction of his successor, Sorell. Continue reading Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 5)
Part three continues the narrative of Howe’s bushranging career, including brazen attacks on authorities, especially Magistrate Humphrey, and discusses the government’s attempt to reply to the lawlessness. Continue reading Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 3)
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)
Part one of James Erskine Calder’s biography of Michael Howe and the period he lived through. Continue reading Spotlight: EARLY TROUBLES OF THE COLONISTS by J. E. Calder (Pt. 1)
News reports about Michael Howe and members of his gang, including the murder of bushranger Peter Septon and the attempted murder of Richard Collier. Continue reading Spotlight: Murder of Peter Septon by Hillier
Thursday, 1 July 2021 Though there’s not as much news to report this month, that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been things happening worth talking about. This past month saw regular spots for A Guide to Australian Bushranging on Evenings on ABC Radio Hobart and Northern Tasmania where listeners were able to learn about local bushrangers such as Michael Howe, Matthew Brady, Musquito and Martin Cash (among other lesser known figures). It was also a month of anniversaries, as June sees the anniversary of the hangings of the Clarke brothers and Rocky Whelan, and the Glenrowan siege, all of which received … Continue reading Bushranging Gazette #5
A Guide to Australian Bushranging 