On Sunday last, the 20th instant, information was received by Mr. Day, who fortunately for the inhabitants of the Hunter’s River districts happened to be here, that the bushrangers had visited a station of Sir Francis Forbes, distant about three miles from this place, and bailed up the persons there in order that a report might not reach Muswell Brook, and kept them so until nearly sundown, when they departed.
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)
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.
Continue reading Spotlight: Execution of the Norfolk Island Rioters (1846)
One of William Westwood’s final letters, written just prior to his execution. Continue reading Spotlight: The Last Declaration of Jackey Jackey (1846)
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… Continue reading Spotlight: NORFOLK ISLAND RIOTS —Slaughter of Human Beings
Sam Poo was indicted for that he, on the 3rd day of February, 1865, at Talbragar, did feloniously, wilfully, and of malice aforethought, kill and murder one John Ward.
The bushranger, James McCabe, who had for a considerable stretch been Matthew Brady’s right-hand man, eventually left the gang after one of their most successful raids, that being on the property of George Meredith at Little Swan Port in October … Continue reading James McCabe, Murder and Rum
A contemporary report on the second day of proceedings for Martin Cash’s murder trial. Continue reading Spotlight: The Trial of Martin Cash – Second Day
A contemporary report on the first day of proceedings for Martin Cash’s murder trial. Continue reading Spotlight: The Trial of Martin Cash – First Day
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
A Guide to Australian Bushranging 