The Transcript: Manuscript 3323

Posted on December 9, 2009 | 4 comments

Draft transcripts – added below when provided for proofreading:

pp 1- 12 [completed and below from Julie Gough][Checked 20091216 by DB]
pp 13-32 [completed and below from DB]
pp 33-43 [completed and below from DW] [Checked 20091211 by DB]
pp 44-54 [completed and below from Jan Koperberg]
pp 55-60 [completed and below from Bill Johnson]
pp 59-68 [completed and below from Carol Brill]
pp 69-83 [to arrive from ME]
pp 84-91 [completed and below from Bill Johnson]
pp 92 – 96 [to arrive from Bill J]
pp 97-100 [completed and below from Nicole Mays]
pp 101-103 [ completed and below from Carol Brill]
pp104-105 [completed and below from DW and Carol Brill]
pp 106-110 [completed and below from DW with edit via Carol Brill]
pp 111-115 [to arrive from RHB]
pp 116-120 [completed and below from Carol Brill ]
pp 121-146 [to arrive from AP]

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Table of Contents

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THE TRANSCRIPT:

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[Page 1] Front Cover Manuscript relating to Tasmania


[Pages 2 to 6] [blank]


Alexander Pearce’s Account of his Escape from Macquarie Harbour

MS 3323, pages 7–12 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s7-e

[Page 7] [5 lines in faint pencil unreadable on screen followed by, in pen…]

On the 28th Septr 1822 Alexr Pearce, Alexr Dalton, Thos Bodenham, Mw Kennerly, Matthew Travis, Willm Brown and John Mathers, seven prisoners forcibly seized 2 boats, employed in taking timber […] under the charge of an overseer [above line: the subjects of the] at Kelly’s Basin Macquarie Harbour forcibly seized two Boats at Kelly’s Basin, Mac’ie Harbour; when they were employed in cutting timber under the charge of an overseer; and proceeded to the Coal Works where they were joined by other prisoners. Both Greenhill agreeably to a p… plan when Robert Greenhill another prisoner joined them agreeably to a preconcerted plan. Six of them, each armed with an axe, proceeded robbed the men’s Hut of an axe and the Provisions, which consisted of about 10lb of Flour & 6lb of Beef. Having extinguished the Fire to prevent signals being made to the Island; and swamped one of the Boats; they all proceeded down the River in the other and landed near Philip’s Island in consequence of having seen a light astern which they feared belong’d to persons in pursuit of them. It was then consider’d necessary to destroy the other Boat, which was immediately done and the sails were secreted near the spot and with their 10lb of Flour & 6lb of Beef they commenc’d in untried wilds of Barren Mountains half weary and all clothed their hopeless journey, Pilgrims of Despair. Early on the second day one of them (Brown) became too sick to keep pace with them his companions whom they at first threatened to leave him but afterward endeavour’d to by carrying his burthen viz an axe & share of the flour & beef, endeavour’d to keep him with them. The dawn of the 3rd day found them again on their journey wet, for it now rained incessantly in [??? nothing to shield them … …. …. …. ] [page 8] and […] hungry for they scarcely could taste their provisions and fatigued cold, hungry & fatigued, for it rained incessantly, they had nothing to shield them from the severity of the night air, dared scarcely taste their provisions, and their way was through thick forests of Brush Wood, or over rough & stony ground. Thus proceeding, they ascended at sunset on the 4th a Barren Hill which scarcely furnished a sufficiency of sticks to make their fires and there was not even a reptile to be found in this waste wherewith to eke out their now almost exhausted provisions here it was that hope, if she had ever been their companion, deserted some of them who wished themself again at Mac’ie Hbr. Continued rain increased their miseries on the 5th and after crawling a short distance they stopp’d until the 7 morning when the weather clearing up revived their sunken spirits and they journeyed along the summits of the Tier of Mount’ns near the one called the Frenchman’s Cap where Mac’ie Hbr is discernable at about 30 miles distance – on the 8th Brown, Kennerly & Dalton left them secretly, while they were endeavouring to make their way thro’ thick scrub, by each going first alternately*. Not suspecting the cause of their absence they stop’t frequently when they missed them & coo’ed but on remaining unanswered the conviction of their having returned to betray them hurried them along with increased energy and they travell’d on during the 10th thro’ heavy rain descending the steep and rugged mountain with great difficulty and at length effected a passage to a River on the Evening of the eleventh. As two of them could not swim, the others they were assisted them in crossing by holding long poles which were held to them from some rocks near the centre of the River by their companion who had procured thither for the purpose. It was now the 12th day after their departure and though they were nearly naked, quite barefoot, and suffering the extremes of cold and hunger they still crawled on, at the rate of from 4 to 5 miles a day until on the 15th they came to a River supposed to be the Gordon, but were too exhausted to attempt a crossing. In this extremity of suffering the horrid alternative of human sacrifice seem’d to have seized the mind of each, for the expediency of the Act was intimated by [page 9] one to another. Proposed, and unanimously agreed to, on the instant, each seeming indifferent whether the lot should fall on himself or another. The lots were cast and Bodenham drew that of the victim. The unhappy man submitted to his Fate without a murmur only requesting a few minutes delay time to implore forgiveness from his offended Maker which was granted. The horrid carnage was commenced and while He knelt in prayer; his horrid associates consulted who should be Executioner: to this dread office Greenhill volunteer’d stating that in a similar extremity, he had once before performed the Act. He and Traviss then directed the others to gather wood for the Fire at some distance to avoid the sight, which they said might be disagreeable to them. They went, & Greenhill ended his victims worldly suffering, by a blow on the Head with the Axe. The men returned with the wood, the Fire was kindled & the frightful meat prepared and devour’d. During this awfull this appalling procedure act Greenhill had exhibited such a reckless disposition that Pearce and Mathers became apprehensive that he would destroy them so soon as the present body should be consumed. These fears were strengthened by the well known friendship between Greenhill & Travis, who had been convicted together for piratically seizing a Schooner at the Derwent. In this state they proceeded for 2 days without any other food than the Flesh of their murder’d associate when they then lost the materials for kindling the fires and were compelled to return and search of them had they not succeeded in finding them they must have perished ere they had proceeded much further. Having resumed & continued with great difficulty for 4 days more they arrived at a small valley where there was water and stop’t to repose. Mathers having boild and eaten some fern root became sick while discharging his stomach when Greenhill crept behind and struck him with the axe. while vomiting The Blow was not fatal and Mathers wrested the weapon from the Ruffian but did not attempt revenge which the others hastened to prevent. [page 10] At Mathers’ request Greenhill was not allowed to carry the axe and Pearce & Mathers agreed privately to inform each other should either discover any danger which they justly apprehended from the other two. Although the weather was more favourable their miseries increased as on the 2nd day after this affair they were again entirely without food. Mathers now discovered apprehended that Pearse was in league treacherous with the others & his situation became terrible. They stop’t as usual near a Rivulet for the night and sat dejectedly by the fire; Mathers dared not approach but he remained at a Distance greatly distressed to guard himself from the violence he seem’d conscious was meditated against him. His fears were but too well founded, one of the wretched men (most probably Pearce as it is not likely Mathers would have allowed either of the other to approach him, and Pearce having given the story from which this narration is written accounts for the name not being disclosed*) under pretence of gathering wood for the Fire approach’d the place where he sat and sprang upon him. The others immediately came up and dispatched him with the Axe. After partaking of his Gut reeking remains Greenhill expressed his satisfaction at the destruction of Mathers for he said they must now be near some settled district and that Mathers would have impeach’d them for the murder of Bodenham had he lived, in revenge for his assault upon him; adding, that it was much better to rid the world of such a character them let him live to torment & deceive (what he was pleas’d to call) society. In these sentiments the others acquiesced. In the fourth day of their journey after the murder of Mathers, Traviss was stung in the foot by some reptile his leg swell’d exceedingly, & despairing of Travelling, he requested them to give him some of the Flesh and proceed on their journey which probably would not now exceed a few days. Addressing himself to Greenhill he entreated him, in the most piteous manner by their Friendship in prosperity and adversity, to leave him to die as he was convinced his dissolution was fast approaching. Greenhill had some idea that he would recover & remained [page 11] with him 5 days and rendered him all assistance in his power. During this delay the remains of Mathers were nearly consumed and Traviss’s agitation was so great under the conviction that they would distroy him also that he scarcely slept and became almost deranged by despair & terror. On the 6th morning Greenhill proposed travelling and endeavour’d to cheer Traviss by declaring he would carry him the remainder of the way rather than leave him and that they should soon arrive where they should have plenty of fresh mutton. By these professions Traviss’s dread of the machinations of Pearce were partly removed & they proceeded tho slowly and with great difficulty for in assisting Traviss over hills and Rivulets their fatigue was much increased. Having then crossed a lofty Tier of Hills they rested on the Bank of a Large River which ran at their backs. Traviss soon fell asleep and his doom was sealed. During their debate Traviss awoke by the extreme pain of his leg & perceiving his situation implored them in agony to leave him. Shortly afterwards he again fell asleep and the axe was immediately applied to his head, he stretched himself once in his agony and expired. Greenhill was much affected and it is probable that but for the accident before named Pearce would have been the victim. Traviss at the time of engaging in the seizure of the Schooner for which he was sent to MH was the proprietor of a good Farm in excellent cultivation & professed also a considerable Flock of sheep. They remained on the spot for 2 days gorging themselves with this carcass and sleeping. The remains where then packed up and after protestations of the greatest Friendship and Fidelity they once more travell’d onward believing that their stock eked out by the grubs they would gather from the Rotten Trees, would be sufficient to sustain them the remainder of the journey.

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MS 3323, page 12 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s12-e

[Page 12]

pp 13-32 [completed and here from DB]
Information of George Hacking sworn 10 March 1826

MS 3323, pages 13–21 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s13-e

[Page 13]
Cornwall
Van Diemen’s Land
To Wit

The Information of George Hacking who being sworn saith, I am under sentence of transportation for seven years. I broke out of Gaol at Launceston last Thursday week about eight o’clock at night. I escaped over the Paling. I remained in the Bush all that night and the next day and night. I had no Irons on. I took a loaf with me from the Gaol. I went into no House on Friday, on Saturday morning between eight and nine o’clock I was near Doogan’s House and turned into the Bush. I soon after heard a voice say who are you. I went on and a man said stand fast or I will blow your brains out – come this way, who are you. I went to him and told him who I was, and that I had broke out of Gaol. He said we are a party, and will take you in, he then took me up to six more men, all of them had Muskets, Bayonets and Pistols. He ordered me to sit down. A strange man came up and conversed with him, who took me, and who afterwards told me his name was Brady. After they had conversed [Page 14] together about half an hour, twenty yards from the rest of the Party, Brady came up to me and tied my hands. The strange man called to him. Brady went to him and talked with him five minutes, then returned to me where I was sitting amongst his men, and untied my hands. He then said I am Brady, you took us for a Party did you not, I said I did, he then said, will you fancy to join us, it is as your own option to go or stop. I said I would go about my own business. I then got up to go away, he ordered me to sit down and take breakfast, which he said would be ready in a few minutes. The strange man had gone away and returned in about half an hour with some boiled Potatoes, and boiled Beef, all warm in two cloths. Brady’s men made some tea. The strange man stopped until we had breakfasted, then spoke apart with Brady and went away, taking the cloths with him. I then asked Brady if I could go, he said no, not until night, the strange man will not allow you to go till night. Brady said the strange man lived at Doogan’s House, he brought the breakfast from that direction. We were about a quarter of a mile from it. I could see it from [Page 15] the place where we sat, it was nearly all clear ground between us and the House. We sat a little way in the Bush. The strange man was about five feet eight inches high, fresh coloured, he wore blue trowsers, a snuff coloured jacket, a sealskin cap, and had dark hair. He returned in about an hour and brought two Bottles of Rum and went away immediately. I drank some of it, Brady and his party played at Cards, and drank Rum until about two o’clock, when this man returned, and brought some more boiled Beef and Potatoes, which we ate. He ate some, he then went away and returned again with another man an hour before sundown. Brady met them before they got to the Party, conversed with them ten minutes, when they came to the party, this other man was named Rice. He told Brady I had once some men working under me at the Government Mill at Launceston, and that he was one of them, I then recollected him, but denied knowing him. Brady and his party then planted their knapsacks, three or four in number, and a bag of Tea and one of sugar behind[Page 16] some trees, and commenced buckling on their pouches, and fixing their Bayonets into their straps. Brady then said we must wait till the other man comes, he is bringing some Grog to us. In about ten minutes another man came up, he was a stiff lump of a man, he was a bulky looking man, and wore a grey jacket and trowsers, and a velveteen waistcoat. The party said he had to fight soon for Ten Pounds at the Cocked Hat Hill, he brought two Bottles of Rum with him, which the party and the three strange men drank, and then got up. Rice and the man who last joined the party had a Musket each. Brady said they must be at Dry’s before dark to see the ways of the place. He told me to walk alongside of the best man who walked first, if I did not know the way. I asked him to have the goodness to let me go about my business, he said he could not let me go on account of the three strange men until we had been at Dry’s, and that he should see how I behaved there. We walked about two miles in the Bush until [Page 17] we got near a deep Creek. The first man that came to Brady’s Party then gave me a Bottle with some Rum in it, and ordered me to go down to the Creek and make some Grog. Brady was then down in the Creek, the whole Party took me down to him. Brady ordered me to sit down. I did so, and he said, do you think you can stop here if you are tied, I said I must stop if I am tied, but I would rather go about my business. He replied, these three men are not willing you should go. Brady tied my hands behind my back with a Handkerchief, and instantly tied another handkerchief over my face and head. I said is this it Brady, are you going to shoot me? He said, I am, these three men are afraid that you should live, they do not say you have ever harmed any one but they are afraid you will do. I said will you allow me a few minutes to say my prayers before you shoot me. He said, no, sit steady, there is no time to delay, and immediately a Pistol was fired and I felt myself wounded on the left side of the head. I was senseless a short time [Page 18] and then felt I was being rolled lower down into the bottom of the Creek. My hands were then untied, the handkerchief was left on my Face, my shoes were taken off, and a great lot of boughs thrown over me, so as to cover me up. I heard one of them say, how quick he died, another said, come on, come on, let us be going. I did not know those voices. Before Brady tied my hands he laid a Musket and Pistol down close to me (after I was covered I heard the party walk away). I lay there about half an hour, then got up & washed the blood off me as well as I could. My wound was bleeding very hard. I walked right away over a Hill, the first House I came to was the Penitentiary on the Cocked Hat Hill, it was nearly dark. I asked two or three Persons who were unyoking some Bullocks where John Develin lived, they said three quarters of a mile up the road on the right hand side. They asked me what was the matter with me. I told them I had hurt myself. I was afraid to tell them the truth. I went to John Develin’s House. I asked if he lived there. A woman said yes, he is not in the House. I said will [Page 19] you let me stop here all night. She replied come in and let me see who you are. I went into where she had a candle lighted in the inner room, and told her who I was. She said I might stop. I told her what had happened to me. John Develin came in soon after. I told him what was the matter. I told him to write a letter to you. He said he would and sent a man off directly, and ordered him to go to you immediately. I remained there till nearly ten o’clock on Sunday morning. Constable Riley put me into a Cart which shook me so much I was obliged to get out and walk as well as I could. We came towards Launceston, and when three hundred yards behind the Penitentiary on the Cocked Hat Hill a boy came up the road on horseback, who, upon being hailed by Riley, said he was going towards Mr Wedge’s Party. Riley looked behind him and said, the Bushrangers are coming after us. The boy on Horseback turned back his Horse and galloped towards Launceston. I told Riley I was a done man, that he had better get away as fast as he could. He did not leave me. Brady and his same six men [Page 20] I had seen the day before came within ten years of us. Riley said, Keep back. They rushed towards us, one of them had hold of Riley who got away from him but lost his Hat. One of the Bushrangers rushed up to me and was drawing his Pistol, when the others shouted, do not sound a pistol, shoot him with a Musket. He placed his Musket right against my breast. I laid hold of the muzzle and strove to fend it off me as well as I could. He pulled it out of my hands two or three times and pulled the trigger. I turned my body a little on one side and fell flat on my face. The Bushrangers then directly turned me over and pulled my shirt off my breast which was blazing with the gunpowder, and looked at this wound on my right breast, and said, he is stiff enough now. They then overhauled my other wound that I got the night before, and some of them said they never knew such a thing before, as that I was not dead from the shot I got in the Bush. They then went away and left me. I got up in about twenty minutes and went to the Penitentiary, [Page 21] where I saw Constable Riley, who took me a little way into the Bush where we hid ourselves for a short time. Riley then said he would go towards the Hut and see if he could see the Bushrangers, and went away and did not return. In about an hour afterwards I got upon the road and walked into Launceston by myself.

I heard the Bushrangers say that they had a Boat in the River Tamar and that if it was not gone they would have it and get a vessel out of that River, or Captain James’s vessel from the Western River.

I am sure all the three strange men were present when the Bushrangers shot me at the Creek, and I do think one of the three was named Kelly, this was the man that came up last with the Rum. I believe all these three men lived at Doogan’s House, they all came from that direction to the place where the Bushrangers took me. I fear I shall die from the effects of my wounds.

Sworn before me at Launceston
this 10th day of March 1826 in the
Hospital
P A Mulgrave JP


Information of George Hacking sworn 11 March 1826

MS 3323, page 22 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s22-e

[Page 22] The Information of George Hacking who being again sworn saith, Michael Riley now present is I verily believe one of the three men who joined the man called Brady and six others armed men near Doogan’s House on Saturday last, he came in the evening and accompanied the party until I was shot at the Creek as stated in my Information of yesterday. I know him by his features. I am not certain that he had the same dress on then that he wears now. He came to us an hour before sundown. I walked alongside of him part of the way when he shoved me from him and told me to walk in front. I never saw him before last Saturday. I never expect to leave my bed alive and I still say this was one of the three men who joined the man called Brady and his Party near Doogan’s House on Saturday last, and continued with them until I was shot. I did not particularly notice his walk.

Sworn before me in the
Hospital at Launceston
the eleventh day of March 1826
P A Mulgrave JP


Information of George Hacking sworn 13 March 1826

MS 3323, pages 23–4 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s23-e

[Page 23] The Information of George Hacking who being again sworn saith Bernard Shields was with the Party near Doogan’s house last Saturday week when a man called Brady and his six armed Companions were present. Shields brought two Bottles of Rum to the party in the evening and accompanied them until I was shot, I believe by Brady, as stated in my former depositions. Shields had no arms with him, he appeared to go voluntarily. I saw him speak with Brady apart from the Companions, about ten or eleven o’clock on that morning. I asked Shields to take me away from Brady and his party, he said he had no objection if Brady would let me go. Brady said I should not go. I now consider myself in a dying state. I never expect to get any better.

I never saw Shields before the fourth instant that I recollect. I know him by his features, he had a brown jacket on that day a sort of snuff coloured jacket. I do not [Page 24] know if he then wore a Cap or Hat.

Sworn before me in the Hospital at
Launceston the 13th day of March 1826
P A Mulgrave JP


Information of George Hacking sworn 14 March 1826

MS 3323, page 24 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s24-e

[Page 24] The Information of George Hacking who being sworn saith the three foregoing Informations which have been made in the presence of Michael Riley and Bernard Sheilds are to the best of my belief true. I am certain that Sheilds is the man who brought Bread and Meat to Matthew Brady and his Party on Saturday the fourth instant near Doogan’s House.

I am not altogether so positive as to my recollection of the person of Riley as I am to that of Sheilds. I am sure Sheilds brought two Bottles of Rum to the Party.

Sworn before me at Launceston
the fourteenth day of March 1826
P A Mulgrave JP


Information of George Hacking sworn 14 March 1826

MS 3323, page 25 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s25-e

[Page 25]
Cornwall
Van Diemens land
To wit

The Information of George Hacking who being sworn saith Matthew Brady is the person alluded to in my Information given before you on the tenth instant who then called himself Brady, it was him who tied my Hands behind my back and put a Handkerchief over my Head at a place near the Springs on Saturday the fourth day of March instant, a Musket and Pistol were laying by his side whilst he put the Handkerchief over my face and immediately my eyes were covered. A shot was fired close to my Head which wounded me under the left Ear.

Sworn before me at Launceston
the fourteenth day of March 1826
P A Mulgrave JP

This Information having been taken in the presence of Matthew Brady he said ah you old scoundrel I wish I had shot you if I had fired at you with a Piece instead of a Pistol you would not have been here now.
Witness my Hand at Launceston
this fourteenth day of March 1826
P A Mulgrave JP


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MS 3323, page 26 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s26-e

[Page 26]


Information of George Hacking sworn 14 March 1826

MS 3323, page 27 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s27-e

[Page 27] The Information of George Hacking who being sworn saith Patrick Bryan was one of the armed men in company with a man called Brady on Saturday the fourth day of March instant when my eyes were blinded and I was immediately afterwards shot on the left side of the Head at the Springs in this County.

Sworn before me at Launceston
the fourteenth day of March 1826
P A Mulgrave JP

The Information of Thomas McCourt called by Michael Riley who being sworn


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MS 3323, page 28 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s28-e

[Page 28]


Information of Joseph Smith sworn 4 April 1826

MS 3323, pages 29–32 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s29-e

[Page 29] The Information of Joseph Smith who being sworn saith, I am free by servitude. I am a shoemaker and live in the House of James McGarret at the Cocked Hat Hill, his brother Robert McGarrett also lives there. I recollect the Saturday on which Mr Dry’s House was said to have been attacked, about a month ago. Bernard Shields had lodged in the House for some time, until a week before that day, when he left it. James McGarrett went from home on Friday preceding the Saturday on which Mr Dry’s House was attacked. Before six o’clock that morning Constable Crowther came there and enquired for a man named Rice, and Bryan Keleher. About half an hour after the Constable went away, six or seven men came to the House, they were armed with Muskets, and some of them had Knapsacks. One of them enquired for Rice and Bryan Keleher, I told him a Constable had been just enquiring for the same [Page 30] persons, they then went away towards Mr James’s farm. About eight o’clock Bernard Shields and Bryan Keleher came to the House, they Breakfasted there, Bernard Shields then wore a snuff coloured jacket and a black Hat. He and Keleher went away in about half an hour. Robert McGarrett was from home, he went out soon after six o’clock. Keleher returned to the House about eleven o’clock and enquired for Bernard Shields, and immediately went away. About one o’clock Bernard Shields returned to the House, and asked me to lend him a Bottle of Rum, he brought an empty Bottle with him. I filled it with Rum, and he took it away with him, he did not tell me who it was for, or where he was going with it. No Person came to the House till about five o’clock, when a lad named John Brannan came there, and enquired for Bernard Shields. [Page 31] Robert McGarrett came home about eight o’clock that night. He did not tell me where he had been all day. I did not see Bernard Shields again until the following Wednesday when he came to settle with James McGarrett for some Wheat. Bernard Shields wore a Blue Jacket when he came to the House the second time on Saturday, when he came there the first time I told him that a Constable and some other armed men had been there enquiring for Rice and Keleher. Keleher was present, he laughed and said, I am the man they wanted. Bernard Shields observed, If I were you I would go into Mr Mulgrave’s office and see what they wanted, and I will go with you. Keleher replied, I will so soon as I wash myself, and said he would go to Doogans for that purpose. Bernard Shields and he then went away towards [Page 32] Doogan’s House, one quarter of a mile from McGarrett’s.
Joseph Smith

Sworn before me at Launceston
this fourth day of April 1826
P A Mulgrave JP


Information of Robert McGarrett sworn 4 April 1826

MS 3323, page 32 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s32-e

[Page 32] The Information of Robert McGarrett called at the instance of Bernard Shields who being sworn saith I am assigned servant to James Dunn and live along with my Brother and Joseph Smith at the Cocked Hat Hill. I recollect having heard that Mr Dry’s House was attacked by Bushrangers on a Saturday three or four weeks ago. I know a man named Thomas Kenton was shot near our House the next morning. I went to see him after he was dead. I do not mind where I was on that Saturday. I think I was at home reaping my Brother’s Wheat. I do not remember that I saw Bernard Shields at my Brother’s House that day, he had fallen out with my Brother James some weeks before, who said he should not come there again. I do not know that I saw Bernard Shields on that day. I do not know that I saw him making a bottom of a Stack on that day.
Robert McGarrett

Sworn before me at Launceston
this fourth day of April 1826
P A Mulgrave JP

* I heard the next morning that Thomas Keaton had been shot and soon afterwards saw him lying dead near a House occupied by Samuel Field and others at the Cocked Hat Hill.

pp 33-43 [completed and here from DW]:

[pp 33-43 Checked 20091211 by DB]


Letter from Survey Office to Rev Knopwood dated ???

MS 3323, page33 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s33-e

[Page 33]
Survey Office
30 d […]

Sir

I beg to inform you that the fi […] which I understand you have sold between […] Mulgrave Battery, but nearest to the […] ded in your grant of 20 acres, but is […] Land. You having sold the same, […] have proceeded from your having […] boundry lines of the grant.
And previo […] steps being taken. I beg to inform you […] that you may be enabled to make an […] which you may deem most advisable […] as much as possible the inconve […] might arise from the mistake. I have the honor to be Sir your most obedient humble servt.

[…]

Rev K Knopwood


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MS 3323, page 34 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s34-e

[Page 34]


Index of correspondence

MS 3323, page 35 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s35-e

[Page 35]

Lieut Governor Arthur letter to W A Bethune Esq 12 Dri (sic) 1825.

Secretary’s office 27 July 1824

J Montague Esq to Deputy Surveyor General to G Evans Esq and letter to his Excellency G Arthur.

Clarence Plains 1 August 1836

My letter to the Rural Dean – 2 August 1836 from the R D with the enclosed Document of charges from his Excellency to me and the R D Letter to me on the letter sent 1 August 1836

My letter to Mr Sorell and his 20 October 1824 Hobart Town, and his answer to me London 20 May 1825

My letter the 9 August 1836 to John Montague Esq Col Sect’y

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MS 3323, page 36 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s36-e

[Page 36]


Letter from George Arthur to W. A. Bethune 12 December 1825 regarding Knopwood’s Mulgrave Battery land

MS 3323, pages 37–8 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s37-e

[Page 37]
Government House Hobart Town 12 Dec 1825

Sir,

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter with its enclosures herewith returned. Seeing the Revd Mr Knopwood’s personal interest was so much concerned, and giving due consideration to the points of this having been so long many years a Resident in these Colonies, I was very reluctant to interfere or to have any thing to say, respecting the Road to Mulgrave’s Battery. As the parties interested however expressed a great difficulty in proceeding with the sale, whilst the question of the line of Road remained undisposed of, I was constrained to make up my mind, and give an opinion upon it. The Question was one, as between the Public and Mr Knopwood, the original grant made by the Governor, conveyed to Mr Knopwood the Land in question, reserving a right of the Road at high Water Mark. Thus it was stated to me. Lieut Gov’r Sorell in order to enhance the value of Mr Knopwood’s property, consented to alter, and sanctioned a space to admit a line of private houses in front of the Road. It certainly from the earliest moment I saw the ground appeared to me that it was abandoning a public right of very important consequence, and one which could afterwards be alone recovered at a very heavy expense to the Crown. It appeared also to me that the Lieut Governor acting in subordinance to the Governor in Chief did not possessthe power to alienate a right which had been expressly reserved to the Public, nor was there any official or formal document to shew that he had done so, although, I did not doubt the accuracy of Mr K’s statement. On these Grounds my judgement was founded, when the most mature deliberation I could give the subject and upon [Page 38] Upon the information then before me it remained unaltered. But if Mr Knopwood would desire to have the Point further considered I will take any memorial into deliberation before the Executive Council. I feel it however due to myself to state that whilst I acted up to what I considered my duty in this respect, I was not disregardless of Mr Knopwood’s interest but took the an early opportunity of communicating with the Archdeacon upon the inadequacy of Provision which had been made and an arrangement is consequently in progress which I hope will be concluded in a few weeks and prove beneficial to Mr Knopwood’s future comfort. –

I have the honor to be

Sir

Your most obedient

humble Serv’t

George Arthur

WA Bethune Esq


Memorial from Rev Knopwood to the Lieutenant Governor 21 December 1825 regarding Knopwood’s Mulgrave Battery land

MS 3323, pages 38–40 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s38-e

[Page 38]
To His Excellency
Lieutenant Governor Arthur
&c &c &c

Sheweth
That your Excellence’s Memorialist having become subject to a Verdict of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, for a sum of money which he considered was not warranted either by Law or Equity, was compelled to expose part of his Town Grant for sale to discharge his Claim.

[Page 39]
That several of memorialists friends having suggested to him the advantage of selling his land in small allotments for the erection of Buildings along the margin of Sullivan’s Cove, the Late Lieut Governor Sorell finding by the report of the Surveyor, that the road reserved for the Crown could not be constructed without great expense, consented to give up the margin of the river, in consideration of a broader way being allowed to pass through land granted to your memorialist.

That in consequence of this arrangement several allotments were sold, with permission to erect stores on the bank of the river, but Your Excellency having disapproved of the arrangement under a doubt of its existance, as regarded the Government, all the purchasers, with two exceptions only, have either refused to honour their Bills or claim exorbitant compensation for their losses, real or supposed.

That memorialist stands therefore in the peculiar situation of having disposed of his property without paying the debt, and likewise become subject to new actions for non-fulfilment of his engagements to the purchasers.

That Your Excellency’s memorialist begs to accompany this by a letter and certificate of the Late Lieut Governor’s support of the alligation (sic) of this memorial (p2) which to Memorials present situation, and as this matter materially affects the improvement of the Town and Public convenience, Memorialist trusts that Your Excellency [Page 40] Excellency will take such steps as may lead to his relief, and not suffer an individual to sustain any loss for Public Utility.

And your memorialist
As in duty bound shall
ever pray
Revd R Knopwood
Hobart Town 21 Dec 1825

Col Sorell


Letter from Archdeacon Scott to Rev Knopwood regarding Knopwood’s resignation from Commission of the Peace

MS 3323, pages 41–2 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s41-e

[Page 41]
Hobart Town 31 January 1828

To the Revd Mr Knopwood

Reverend Sir

On a late occasion when the Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales was about to issue a new Commission of the Peace I objected very much the insertion of any Clergyman’s Name, for many reasons very obvious in a Colony of this description, and I recommended the Clergy to request they might be omitted.

As you are the only Clergyman now within the Archdeaconry in the Commission I beg to recommend that you respectfully tender your resignation to His Excellency [Page 42] Excellency the Lieutenant Governor. I have no objection to your assigning this letter as the Cause.

I remain Reverend Sir

Your Obedient Servt

T H Scott


Letter from Rev Knopwood to Archdeacon Scott regarding Knopwood’s resignation from Commission of the Peace

MS 3323, pages 42–3 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s41-e

[Page 42]
Hobart Town 2 Feb 1828

(To) The Venerable Archdeacon Scott

Venerable Sir

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31 ultimo recommending, for reasons therein stated, that I should respectfully tender to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor my resignation of the Commission of the Peace and in reply I beg to state my readiness [Page 43] to act on that recommendation to His Excellency.

I have the honor to be
Venerable Sir
Your obedient Servt
R Knopwood


Rev Knopwood’s letter of resignation from the Commission of the Peace, dated 22 February 1828

MS 3323, pages 43 http://www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.ms-ms3323-s43-e

[Page 43]

Hobart Town 22 February 1828

Sir

The Venerable the Archdeacon Scott having recommended in a communication of the 31 ultimo a Copy of which I have the honor to lay before Your Excellency herewith, that I should tender my resignation of the Commission of the Peace, for reasons assigned in that Communication, I respectfully beg Your Excellency may be pleased to accept my resignation accordingly.

I have the honor to be
Your Excellency’s
most obedient Hum. Serv’t
R Knopwood

To His Excellency

Lieutenant Governor Arthur

[pages 44- 54 transcribed by JK]

[page 44] Archdeacon Scott Letter respecting the Commission of the Peace

[page 45] [blank page]

[page 46] Archdeacon Scott Letter to R K Respecting the Commission of the Peace

[Page 47] Sir, The bearer Mary Lawrence is in great distress for medical assistance and having no means to procure any I beg to recommend her to the Medical Department

[Page 48] ???? ???? re Sir Your Humble Servt R K

27 Aug 1838 John Arthur MD ????? John Arthur Esq MD Deputy Inspector General Hobart Town

[Page 49] Copy Hobart Town 17 March 1829 My Dear George

I did drop this letter to you on behalf of the Rev Hobart Knopwood one of the

Chaplains of this Colony to request your most active professional exertions in

obtaining the payment for him of a sum of 500£ due to him under circumstances

which the accompanying Power of Attorney will sufficiently explain. The Agents

named by Mr Knopwood, are a Mr George Dew advisor to the Solicitor of Salisbury

and Mr A Bethune a Mercantile Gentleman of this Town, by whom this letter and its

enclosures will be handed to you. We hope and trust that by skilful management you

will be enabled to procure the money before Mr Bethunes departure from England

[Page 50] as by him it would be best brought out to this Colony. But if not Mr Bethune can

depute his powers to any other person as may be most expedient or Mr Dew may act

alone. The former course will however be certainly preferable.

All the Executors and Trustees namend (sic) in the Will have long since been dead, to

one of them Mr Thomas Barton, Mr Knopwood sold the Property at Threxton which

the Will devised to him, except small Portion which Mr Knopwood sold to the then

Lord Clermont. This Mr Barton (the Executor) survived his Co Executors and was

succeeded in the Estates at Threxton by his son Walter Barton who was also most

[Page 51] probably his personal representative. So Walter Barton has succeeded Mr Thomas

Barton his son, the Grandson of the Executor and the present owner and possessor

of the Threxton property, upon which the Legacies were and are charged. This

Mr Thomas Barton has for the last 3 or 4 years resorted to one pretext after

another to keep the Legacies, Interest and all in his hands. But what those pretexts

have been, I can not exactly discover, for they are generally, only alluded to, and

not Explained. He does not seem to have disputed his liability to pay the money,

but we are told he advises with Counciller Cooper of Norwich, and that he cannot

pay it until Mr Knopwood returns to England. Mr Pettit advises Mr Knopwood to

send home a Release, but this is a course I disidently reject, and I have adopted

[Page 52] a plan not open to objection in other respects which will answer Mr Bartons object,

if an honest one, equally as well as a Release executed by Mr Knopwood in that

Country. I refer to the Clause at the conclusion of the Power of Attorney. For

your better information, I transmit here-with Copies of two Letters, the one from

Mr Dew, and the other from a Mr Edward Harvey Gregson an attorney at Wotton in

Norfolk recently a joint agent for Mr Knopwood with Mr Dew. But Mr Gregson

has evidently most grosely neglected his Clients interests and Mr Knopwood

has no longer any Confidence in him. Of Mr Dew, Mr Knopwood has a high

opinion, and he with Mr Pettit will of course render him Every assistance. Mr Pettit

however, is in his 76 year, and very infirm in health, Mr Knopwood who lives

[Page 53] With him is equally infirm. Neither Principal or Interest nor any part of it has ever been paid token by Mr Barton any more than to Mr Knopwood my Client.

Annexed to the Power of Attorney is an affidavid (sic) of its Execution and a notorial

Certificate, which I procured merely in compliance with the Custom in such cases

Proper (Proper in left hand margin) Evidence will be in your power by improving my

Handwriting, or by the other witness to the Execution who accompanies Mr Bethune

To England.

Again recommending this Matter to your best services I remain Yours affectionately

Signed / Alfred Stephen To George Stephen Esq Solicitor Kings Arms Yard Coleman Street London

[page 54] [blank page] [pp 55-58: transcribed by BJ]

[page 55] [in pencil] 1834 watermark received 1836 [….] [in pen] received Sat 3 Dec 1836 Respecting House [rent?] and forage to the crew pole [?] cat [?] [vertical] the Revd R Hawkwood P Pahuer [?]

[page 56] [blank page]

[page 57] May 1832 Sailed for England vis Cape of Good Hope 27th

The Royal George Capt. Ponadiloh. Having on board of cargo of Col duke 40,000 lbs of wool of V.D.L. and 6 thousand bushels of wheat the latter for the Cape, passengers L. Lord Esq and two

???tors, William and Corbella Lord, Dr. Doak RN Gregory [above is from a later page showing over top of page 57]

[page 57] Petition to marry – a Parish Free per ship name Bunyan and Mr Ar. Lee, To/ His Excellency/ Colonel George Arthur/ Lieutenant Governor/ of Van Diemen’s Land &c &c &c States the petitioner A B Parish as free, rents a farm conjointly with another, able to maintain a wife – That Mary Ann Lee in 1832 at Launceston was sentenced for 14 years and is now in service at Kangaroo Point – Petitioners having mutual allosbement Solicit Wm Exclly’s Permission to marry – James (X his mark) Davis – certifies Abraham Parish fully capable of supporting a wife fif Nov 1835 (past reason of neither party quite promising up to 1835 Granted Petition as above for Edw. Roberts (conditional pardon) and Jane lummeroille per ship Bryan (in assigned service) tried Newcastle on Tyne 14 years. Roberts has excellent record for some years- Lady has past references bold improvement woman, has been a prostitute , etc. Referred to Rev Knopwood for report. Approved Making a total of 17 names of the early settlers engaged in the small public works described. As many them are genuine signatures of the Rev R. Knopwood first Chaplain V.D.L. John Fawkner Side in a substantial manner fit for [page 58] [blank page]

[Page 59] [transcribed by BJ – see also below DUPLICATE p59 transcribed by CB – to be both read/worked from during proofreading to make 1x final page 59] May 1832 Sailed for England via Cape of Good Hope 27th The Royal George Capt. Ponadiloh. Having on board Cargo of Col duke 40,000 lbs of wool of V.D.L. and 6 thousand bushels of wheat the latter for the Cape, passengers L. Lord Esq and two ???tors, William and Corbella Lord, Dr. Doak RN Gregory Blaxland Esq. Mrs Drennan, allens woesh, Mr. G. R. Ross, Mr Harry Hayden Mr James Canton Mr C Clark and wife – (Ship originally from Sydney) (X day of month lost) (sideways in margin V.D.L. Early Settlers 1807) Van Diemens Land, Early agreement For constructing a Public Road between Two Farms – and erecting a bridge to cross a stream fronting them, suitable for use of Cattle in 1807 The signatures of fifteen (so early) settlers appended as guarantors to the undertaking appended to the document, are faithfully copied Two of whom do not appear in the pay list – while Two others not in the signature list appear only in the pay column Making a total of 17 names of the early settlers engaged in the small public works described among them are genuine signatures of the – Rev R. Knopwood first Chaplain V.D.L. – John Fawkner (d and zsipheal and also far Greater side in a Substantial manner fit for

[page 59] [DUPLICATE PAGE – see above -transcribed by CB] May X 1852. Saild from England via Cape of Good Hope 27 [“27” added in pencil] the ship Royal George Captain Powditch, having on board cargo of Coll produce 40,000 lbs. of wool of VDL and 6 thousand Bushells of wheat the latter for the Cape passengers E Lord Esq and two children William and Corbella Lord, Dr Dark RW Gregory Blaxland Esq. Mrs. ?Drennan?, alias Walch, Mr. G. R. Ross, Mr. Henry ?Heyden? Mr. James ?Banlon? Mr. C. Clark and wife. (Ship originally from Sydney.) (x day of month last.) V.D.L. Early Settlers – 1807. [Written vertically in L.H. margin.] Van Diemen’s Land. Early agreement for constructing a Public Road between Two Farms – and erecting a Bridge to cross a stream fronting them, suitable for the use of Cattle.– in 1807. The signatures of fifteen (so early) settlers appended as guarantors to the undertaking appended to the document, are faithfully copied. Two of whom do not appear in the pay list while- Two others not in the signatures list appear only in the pay column. Making a total of 17 names of the early settlers of 1807 engaged in the small public work described. Among them are genuine signatures of – the Revd. R. Knopwood first Chaplain V.D.L.- John Fawkner &c.

[page 60] Note on within copy of document. Van Diemen’s Land 1807 This document carries an agreement of Early Settlers to defray amongst them the cost of a small Public Work. The list comprises 15 autograph signatures, out of a total of 17 names composing it. Prominent as first arrivals in the list are Robert Knopwood, Chaplain, Mathew Bodan, 1st Assistant Surgeon, Lieut. Fosbrook, Deputy Commissary General, John Fawkner, Sergeant Wm Gangell, John Pascoe Fawkner (Father of the Colony of Victoria) arrived, aged 11 years with his parents per Calcutta from England, at Pt Phillip, etc. with Colonel Collins. Among the 50 mariners of all ranks, under Col Collins were 3 sergeants. To be already interested in real estate, Sergeant Garyell may be safely included, as above.

[page 60] Note on within copy of document. Van Diemen’s Land 1807. This document carries an agreement of Early Settlers to defray among them the cost of a small Public Work.The list comprises 15 autograph signatures out of a total of 17 names composing it. Prominent in the list (as first arrivals) are Robert Knopwood, Chaplain, Mathew Boden, First assistant Surgeon, Lieut t. Fosbrook, Deputy Commissary General, John Fawkner, Serjeant W’m Gangell, John Pascoe Fawkner (Father of the Colony of Victoria) arrived, aged 11 years, with his parents per “Calcutta” from England, at Gov. Phillip etc. with Colonel Collins. Among the 50 marines, of all ranks, under Col. Collins, were 3 Serjeants. To be already interested in real estate, Serjeant Gangell may be safely included, as above.

[page 61] Copy. Whereas several disputes and disagreements have arisen between William Cockerell and John Blinkworth repesting the direction of the public road between their two Farms, and a Meeting of the undersigned Settlers has been held in order to settle the same, and put an end to all future disputes, Now, it is hereby agreed as follows – First, the under signed Thomas Hayes in consideration of the sum of Ten pounds to be paid to him by the others whose names are hereunder subscribed, covenants to make and give up a roadway 1 chain broad in a direction – N 3 ¾ W to commence at the S.E. corner, at Blinkworth’s farm at the distance of [42 x] Perches [West x] [Re. crosses: note in pencil in margin: “Filled in by rough hand as seen.”]from the front boundary line between the sd. Thomas Hayes and Thomas Issell and to be continued in the same direction to the road now in use E & W thro Hayes Farm from New Town and Nichols Farm and to rail both sides the said road with good strong Railing. And further in consideration of the sum of Twenty Pounds to be paid in like manner the said Thomas Hayes further Agrees to build a strong and substantial bridge acrosss the stream running in front of the said Farms so as to connect the present road between the said Wm. Cockerell aand John Blinkworth with the land hereby agreed to be made by the said Thomas Hayes – The said Bridge to be 10 feet wide – to be well logged and earthed and Posts & rails on each side in a Substantial Manner fit for [page 62] [blank page] [page 63] the passage of Cattle. The whole to be completed in Two Months from the date hereof prrovided he has the use of the Government Oxen for the purpose of drawing the Timber and no delay takes place in the payment of the money hereby agreed to be paid. And those whose names are hereunto subscribed do agree to pay the said Sums of Ten Pounds and Twenty Pounds, into the hands of the Rev. Robt. Knopwood immediately for the said Thomas Hayes to draw from time to time as he may want it. In Witness whereof they have severally subscribed their Names this second day of March in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seven. N.B. The said Thomas Hayes is to pay his share of the said sums of Money. Witness./ Thos. Hayes John Blinkworth, Th Issell, Thos Richd Preston, The mark H Hayes of Thos F. Littlefield, Henry Hayes Rd. Pitt, Rev R Knopwood Martha Hayes, John Fawkner, Leonard Fosbrook, Samuel Bate, John Ingle, Wm Gangell, Matthew Power, Serj’t. Above signatures correctly copied TW [page 64] [blank]

[page 65] Copy continued.

£ s. d.

26th March 1807. Recd. of The Revd. R. Knopwood 1. 8. 6.

27th March 1807. Recd. of Richard Pitt 1. 8. 6.

27th March 1807. Recd. of Mr. John Blinkworth 1. 8. 0.

27th March 1807. Recd. of Mr. Preston 1. 8. 0.

27th March 1807. Recd. of Mr. Henry Hayes 2. 16. 0.

27th March 1807. Recd. of Mr. Issell 1. 8. 0

27th March 1807. Recd. of Mr. Dacres 1. 8. 0.

3rd April 1807. Recd. of Leonard Fosbrook, Esq 1. 8. 6.

4th April 1807. Recd. of Matthew Bowden Esq 1. 8. 6.

7th April 1807. Recd. of Samuel Bate Esq 1. 8. 0.

7th April 1807. Recd. of Mr. Jn Ingle 1. 8. 0

8th x April 1807. Recd. of Mr. Littlefield 1. 8. 0

18th April 1807. Recd. of Serjt. Wm Gangell 1. 8. 0.

18th April 1807. Recd. of John Fawkner 1. 8. 0.

Omitted x

8th April 1807. Recd. of Matthew Powers 1. 8. 0.

[page 66] [blank] [page 67] Island of Van Diemen’s Land [Van Diemen’s Land crossed out] Tasmania (To Wit.) To Mr. Henry Beresford Constable of the said Island of Van Diemen’s Land. By virtue of my office, these are in Her Majesty’s name to require and command you, upon sight hereof, to summon and warn Twelve good and lawful men of the Island of Van Diemen’s Land, to be and appear before me, Henry Bilton Esquire, one of the Coroners of the said Island, at the house of William Nicholls known by the sign of The Dusty Miller Situate at [“at”crossed out] in the Township of Glenorchy county Buckingham in the said Island, at Three of the clock, in the after noon of Wednesday, the Thirteenth day of September precisely, then and there to enquire of, do, and execute all such things as in Her Majesty’s name shall be lawfully given them in charge touching the death of Sarah Johnson and George Johnson and be you then there to certify what you shall have done in the premises; and further to do and execute what in behalf of our said Lady the Queen shall be then and there enjoined you.

Given under my Hand and Seal, this
Thirteenth day of September One thousand eight

Hundred and forty [“forty’ crossed out] Sixty five.

Henry Bilton
Coroner.

[page 68] Names of Jurymen.

Thomas Hallam
William Nicholls
William Kinshott
Steven Knopper
Thomas Hone Kellaway
John Brown
Richard Shoobridge 3
John ?Hickson? 4
Charles Holly 5
Thomas Smith 6
English ?Corny? 7
John Providence Lester

Please note: a number of these names have ticks beside them, some crossed out….can’t find ticks among my symbols.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

pp 69-83 [to arrive from ME]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

pp 84-91 [below transcribed by Bill Johnson]

[page 84] [blank page]

[page 85]

I ..annan inward wound –

Semicircular in shape the

Curi..xity forming upward of ..

On examining the wound shows

the skull was fractured and the

Bone depressed but not relocated

the pura mater was not loounded-

on elinatey the dipeays of ….

at which it was depressed the

pupils then acted slightly on …

of light I then ordered the boy to

be … cut the … ….and

…… Brandy

and water and …. the same

to be continued after my leaving—

after 4 PM. The following day I

made a Post Mortem Examination

of the body of the same Boy. The

Body revealed an appearance of

A Healthy Boy of about 9 years

Of age and the left of the .. above

the left ear I found a contured

wound punctured the Scalp –

the … mater and the sustain of

the Brain in a direction downward

internal and forward to the exent of

between 2 inches and 2-1/2 inches

on the left side found an …

wound …. shape with

[page 86] [blank page]

[page 87]

penetrating the scalp then I ….

beneath the conaxity of the

inersised wound poulell upeeceer

the ials mater was

Un…ell and on dividing of

The Brain immediately below

was also ….injured, ….show

marks of external injury –

both wounds were of a ….

character from the depth in

penetration into the Brain and

its distinct pointed character

I believe it must have been inflicted

with some kind of pointed instrument

from the nature of the fracture of the

skull it must have been blunt

pointed that …. the wound

on the left side. The …. come to

the second wound, the wound from

the skull in a semicircular

wound compounded in ….such a wound

as would have been effected by

the head of the hammer I

took a decision which I ….

… from the con… of the

fractured skull – and of those

wounds were of that character

is likely and actually to cause

death. These wounds Caused

Death-

[page 88] [blank page]

[page 89]

I was then taken to the Police to view

the body of the girl which I found

lying in the breach or … …..

…… the hut, she was quite dead

and cold the body was lying prone

and the face with arms Extended the

back of the head was covered with

matted hair covered with coagulation

blood a large contused wound

im…. at the apex of ..sifioal

bone the bone was fractured

the …. mater torn through and the

.isen broken down and …..

I had her removed into the hut and

made a post-mortem examination

the general appearance of the child was

that of a healthy well developed

girl of the age of 7 to 8 years There was

an External Coet..ted wound

at the back of the head – directly the

scalp the upper portion Her ..assifeall

bone was fractured and beaten or

fragments of it lying mixed with the

brain matter with the token .. mater

Her saparion … portion of her eighth

the collar bone was also a fissure

extending from the other fracture

also on the left side further forward

to the.. greater poisine Extending

forward near the surface of the Brain

[page 90] [blank page]

[page 91]

very much injured and Broken

near from that location of the

injury it’s most likely to have been

inflicted with a blunt instrument

by the character of the wound it

might have been inflicted by the

head of a hammer. That wound was

mortal immediately below this

a uspicial protrudance there was another

wound which penetrated the scalp

ooffessing the skull which was

not fractured, the wound joined

the segment of a … the bone

was not that of a mortal character

given its sharpe it would have been

Inflicted such …. heavy

a circular deformed head like the

head of a hammer a third

wound on the neck – presently the

appearance of a deep clean cut

about 2 inches in length penetrating

near the skull and between the 1st + 2nd

vertebra dividing the spinal ..coxale

that is an incised wound I took

a diagram of the actual wound

it could have been inflicted by the

… edge of the shingling hammer

that wound was a mortal wound

and would have caused almost certain

death

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

pp 92 – 96 [to arrive from BJ]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

[pp 97-100 below transcribed from Nicole Mays]

[page 97]

Statement of

Frederick Wilking, a labourer –

[…..] William Griffiths […..][…..][…..]

I was in Hobart Town this […..] last […..]

I came from […..] Launceston […..][…..][…..]

I arrived on Friday week I stopped there

till Monday morning. I brought my bedding

there was Opossum skin rug Reid […..]

I went into Hobart Town abt ½ past 9 –

I went into a public house first – kept by

William Gibbon I then went to the Brokers

came into Gibbons + I sold him the rug

for £1- I then was over to his shop he gave

me the money £1- I bought a blanket and

rug off the broker for 8/- I went back to

Gibbons public house tied my bedding up

Griffiths came into the house I see Griffiths

sell him a sack of clothes […..][…..][…..]

in black he […..] to the broker I will sell

you them clothes I heard him say he sold

them for 15/- but did not see him take the

money I heard the broker say there was

spots of grease upon them[…..][…..] we had some

thing to drink then we stopped a little while

then me and Griffiths went to another town

which […..] up […..][…..] 2 or 3 houses

or maybe in 3 or 4 houses – I went down

to town by the “theatre,” I got into liquor

when I woke in the morning I was down the

[…..] by the “theatre” I was down Liverpool street

[…..][…..] of the morning it was abt 11 […..]

when I went to Gibbons then I stopped at Gibbons

abit and then went to the Brokers where I sold the rug

I said this is my bedding I bought it away

and went to W Gibbons I went back to the Brokers

[Page 98]

got some bread and meat […..] he gave me

a […..][…..] I stopped there a good bit it

might be between 2 and 3 I went to a man

named Power he said I could stop there

all night I stopped there a good bit […..] by

a fire I told Mr Power he had not any

good accommodation only 1 bed and I went

away must be 4 o’clock […..] and

I went then to a lodging house just before

[…..] I sold a shirt to a woman […..]

[…..] shirt I took my bed to a lodging

house got a drink of tea the house in

the same street as Gibbons when I came out

of the house I met Griffiths […..] with him

he said to me come along with me I have

a clock to sell he had […..] clock […..]

went a bit further I said I have got

Griffiths […..] go have […..] beer

he took me to where the clock was he said

this is the clock it was on the table

[…..] the […..][…..] we sat down

for about 10 minutes by the fire I said

Bill I would not seel the clock if I was you

Griffiths was […..] man at O’Briens Bridge

and though […..] his own clock

Griffiths took the weights off and I took the

clock down. Griffiths said you had better

[…..] the hand […..][…..] the […..] of the clock

I said we […..][…..][…..][…..][…..]

[…..] we went to 2 or 3 places, they said

they did not take them in we took it to

a place in Liverpool Street […..] a woman

kept the shop we left the clock there […..]

down Liverpool Street and walked back again

[Page 99]

the woman said the clock wont go

the […..] that is the woman I left the clock with

“Mrs […..]” Griffiths came into the shop […..][…..]

its going said he knew the clock 12 months

he told the woman so I took it next door to

neighbour I said I said this man would have it

you had better take it house again

this was an Eating House, Coffee Shop that

man bought the clock “Gale” that’s the

man that bought the clock we had to bring

[…..] the man said who does the money belong

to I said Griffiths he gave Griffiths the

money we both left I went to my lodging

and Griffiths went up the street – stopped there

all night about 6 […..] morning I took my

bed and went outside I did not see

Griffiths again “he did not tell me he had

anything but the clock” I was apprehended

at Richmond and charged the murder

on Friday. I told the […..][…..] I had been

pulled up at New Norfolk, and on being […..]

where I came from. I told him Hobart Town

[…..] 4 my bedding. “Clark […..]

[…..] the clock to […..] the facing

I did not […..] any […..][…..][…..][…..]

[…..][…..]

Mr. Griffiths

[…..][…..] not […..] over me […..][…..]

side of the story […..] I was not up the […..]

I was given the clock to you and I

[…..][…..] to go […..] by W. Shoob[…..]

I was not up there at all. I swear to all

you to meet me in the street you was taken

in I did not […..] Billy […..][…..][…..][…..][…..]

[Page 100]

[…..] said no such thing

I don’t remember your taking it over

to Mrs Doran. I don’t remember going down

the street without the clock to sell

I never see the clock until Griffiths

took it […..][…..][…..]

Mrs Doran I had never seen it before

I got there you said here is the clock

I down […..] which Griffiths […..][…..] said to the

woman I did not hear any swearing

which lives at Mrs Down. You Griffiths told

the woman that you […..] the clock to […..]

for 12 months. I carried it out of the shop

I took it into the next place I went in with

the clock you followed me. I told you if this […..]

did not have it you had better take it now

I didn’t not sell him the clock you Griffiths told him

[…..] should have the clock for 5/- when […..]

got the […..] we came out. I did not have

a penny of the money […..][…..][…..][…..][…..] paying

for my lodging […..][…..][…..] stopped […..][…..]

it is not […..] in […..]

[Page 101]

[…..] he has till you I was

he said you […..] you […..][…..] was […..]

[…..][…..][…..][…..] to do the […..]

[…..][…..] he […..] do much to […..]

you […..][…..] the […..] was Monday

you know […..][…..]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

[pages 100-103 transcribed by CB]

[page 100] I never said no such thing.I don’t remember you taking it over to Mrs. ?Dorans? I don’t remember going down the street without the Clock to sell – I never ?saw? the Clock until Griffiths took it to the ???? of – Mrs Dorans “I had never it before. I don’t know when I got there “You [Griffiths] said here is the Clock I don’t know what else you said to the woman; I did not hear any swearing whilst I was at Mrs. Doran’s, you [Griffiths] told the woman that you ???? the Clock to go??? for 12 months. I carried it out of the Shop I took it into the next place I went in with the Clock you followed me, I told you that if this meant I did not sell him the Clock you told him he should have the Clock for 5/-when in? got the ??? we came out I did not have a penny of the money you had I was afraid for my ???y; and over? have? stopd? where 7?? it is not ?correct? in anyplace.

[page 101] did ???? tell you I was ???? ???? He said you said he ??? was ?????stoop? to do the ?Onions? you would not be able to do ???? Monday? You know I had not.

[page 102] [blank page]

[page 103] [Jane] Smith the wife of [Thomas] Smith resides with my Husband in Glenorchy. I know the man there his name is Griffiths so I called him I saw him 13th this Month on Monday last here abt. ½ past 7 to 8 o’clock he was at my House he was at the Kitchen fire he was very cold he had not been warm all night – “he had a bad Cold “ – I ask him whether he was going up yonder – what made me ask was to getting ??? Breakfast – I think tis correct – I laid the Breakfast & call him & could not see him – I said to my son to call him to Breakfast – he came back and said he had gone across the creek – I told my son to call him and he came back and said he did not want any- the next time was in this court room Friday the 15th instant.

William James Norris is the Boy’s Name – I think he was dressed as he is now seven or eight? The Shirt and Boots they were lace up Boots I am sure he wore them that morning – I only saw them on his feet they look heavy Boots he wore a oval black hat – ???? hat had on a Jumper, Trowsers Dark Brown more of a (claret). When he left he did not ???? any ?? tools since then I have missed what my Husband calls a shingle hammer – I have searched for it and have not been able to find it since – I saw it last on Sunday laying on the ground outside of the House – from the House to the place I refer to as up yonder is abt. a mile Land occupied by husband.

[pp 104-105 transcribed by DW and also CB]

[page 104] I don’t know – the Boy is gone up with ????? My Name is “Alex Smith” I am a farmer residing on Tolosa Estate I rent a piece of land from Mr. ??? I recollect Monday last at work on ???my garden ? 11 o’clock I was at Home all Morning I left the house 20 mins. past twelve I did not see anyone -??? There are 2 doors front and end I could not see anyone come to the ?end? within my sight When I returned to the House I found the end door broken open. I left the end door fixed? from the inside by a latch & piece of wood over it. There are 2 rooms in the Hut. The Boxes are in the front room in which the ???? into. I missed? a suit of black clothes Coat ?Trowsers? & waistcoat —???? They were good clothes ??? from the box that had been brokn open I wore them on the previous day Sunday and in the afternoon I put them in the Box they were good Clothes and not much the worse for wear a Frock Coat pocket ?? tails, Breast pocket inside, a small ?? inside the Clothes in the Box when not in use know the ?Clothes? Trowsers there was a white mark on them I ???? that is my Coat Those are my Trowsers and that is the (“white” in pencil) mark on them ??? I have marked them.

I fastened the door and went away around the garden into the Bush – Chaplin went out ??? to the Stoney Hill The 1st. print was 70 yards from the House ?? – there were several ??? marks ??? heel & the toe the prints had Hob Nail ???was out – was a Diamond. There was a toe plate and a Heel plate.[See this note: [CB] “William Chaplin came with me; he accompanied me back and on returning to the house I found the track of a man’s foot, about seventy yards from my hut; there was another footmark within twenty-one feet of the house; we saw several other marks, but not so distinct; the Depression of the first track I saw had the marks of a diamond in hob-nails in the heart of the foot up to the toe-plate, with some of the hobnails out; there was a heel plate as well;” Mercury, 19 September 1865.]

Also: Mercury September 19, 1865.

[page 105] Some of the nails were missing out of the ??? – one of the nails ?was? out there was nails round the outside. When I observed the print near my house I exd [examined] it And “what did you do” how far from the House the Nearest Track. From what direction did that track lead? I covered it up with a tea tray and a wheelbarrow on top of it. [See note below]. I gave notice to New Town and ??? Police. Jones where Griffiths was at work not far from my place – I went in the direction that Griffiths had been ?working? – he had not been ?working? there that day I know the man it is ?? William Griffiths – I have just ?attested? to – Mr Hunter then supdt. of police came to the hut in ???? Mr. Hull came and examined the foot print in my presence and ?made? a sketch of it. I know Johnson Hale and ????? I Exd [examined] with Mr Hale Mr Hunter
Exd. [examined] the ???? of Johnson’s hut and the murder. (superscript – children were)

I exd [examined] a foot Print close to where the Bodies were fnd Exd [examined] it particularly

I exd [examined] ??? spot particularly

I was shewda pair of boots by Mr Hunter on Saturday last I should know them again These are the boots that were shown to me by Mr. Hunter and Mr. Hale. The ?inquest? was the Right boot the ????

Note: “I covered the foot print over directly to protect it from the weather, with a tea tray and a wheelbarrow on the top of that; it was not disturbed until the police came;” -Mercury September 19, 1865. [CB]

See also: Mercury September 19, 1865. [CB]

[page 106] The eight huct correspond in exactly length and in every partic?? factio? ?ending in ly that I took particular notice – in the next spot which Icorpine the impess was where the Children was murdered that was also the impress of the eighth Boots (words above the line are too small and difficult to read I comp??? etc third boots) and also resembles it exactly – and to this spot where the I was
(Mr Thos was)
whe the bother laid or laid – I remark the defame ?? or defin?? in new Boots – in the E? Born or Boris know he or book is occupant one also e Born Radios or riding of boots 1 or I sidip becoman or woman I act or Tact as left rive 2nd Rows we not one is left between ??? ??? some writing squeezed in between rows, about 5 words mostly abbreviated which I cannot read 1 single (or Senate) nall tumber and rior left lier Bosts deficent (or defiance) 2. Non (or now) of end
Trends (or knows) the geel

I comment her may same refirean in the Priest of the Hobart (root or North?) as as thansported ass to the Quay than never seen Griffiths Simon emer (lines”?) other witch knows By Griffith How long before (written above the line) unreadable you place (or plan) me (has, was?) sohter (or bother) you dee? about a bank – I did not see (dec?) sora of the heritance the House was broken note (not?) I wntcased (witnessed?) Mr Shipleybrien towed (toward) Story Hill [page 107] Charles McKernan going on for 11 years of age Hathe at Kingane volby with my father and mother insolent Tuesday last I was at home on that day I was cutting (sic) wood in the Bush. In thereis road leading from our house to Hobart town I have been it myself. The end papers behind the orphan past the Catol (card) junis learner to the
Queen load at Sternbass colbass Venerable Kingower holtos (hollow? Could be almost anything!) Racking (backing knocking) I was working by myself I see auran jury pyself (?esults?) quite m lack (Clack, black??) and when alan (or ann) Leeson coming from strang (story) beside (lisle, bsile, anything!) going towards St(??) Town (is this an abbreviation for Hobart town?) he was on his back. Nearly half a mile from New Town Creek carry all (out?) back non Mr govr to HT (Hobart Town?) and not (these two words above the line) he spoke to Mr Was (??) ab i q alk a herman (Kernan?) (illegible word) a large black American was not forced tours I home and how before at home know him again. I have not seen him since that is the unfortunately up the (here?, home?) next the cocktail

Charles McKenna, going on for 11, having satisfied the usual enquiries as to the nature of an oath was sworn and said:- I live at Kangaroo Valley, with my father and mother. I was at homo on Tuesday last; I was cutting wood in the bush. There is a road or track near our house leading to Hobart Town; I have gone that way myself; it goes behind the Orphan School, past the Coal Mines and goes into the main road at Swan’s hill. It is known as the Kangaroo Bottom Road; whilst I was in working in the bush on Tuesday last, I was by myself; I saw a man going past with a clock under his arm: he was coming from Stony Hill, he was going towards Hobart Town. He was on a track at that time; I was about half a mile from the New Town Creek at that time; the man was about ten or twelve yards from me when he passed; he did not speak to me; this was about 3 o’clock in the afternoon; it was a very large American clock that he was carrying. It was not covered over. I could seen nothing else with him. I had not seen the man before. I should know him again if I saw him. I have not seen him since I saw him carrying the clock until now. That (Griffiths) is the man sitting next to the constable. The clock, now produced, is about the size and description of the one I saw.
The prisoner: I don’t think that boy is old enough to take an oath.
Prisoner was informed that he could not enter into that now.
Can you positively swear I was the man who had the clock ? Witness, yes.
The prisoner: It was twelve o’clock when I was in Mrs. Butterworth’s.

Prisoner was informed that he could not make a statement now. Prisoner: I must defend myself. [Mercury, 19 September 1865.] This is abt size of clerk the denis unreadable 10 of the years from home by me betty I am Simson probably thatsquainn the lean that had the chook. Two such (very faint) Constater of the Ehasinay minceapal n (superscript) Eoea accalent Sunday cuch t c further I was near group herchar (Michael?) Bonson hoosie in an Arthur (the next bit is all very faint and sort of added I think) was roughly the size I previously chea bor was found [The next bit is very garbled, written above and inserted and..] Hechild was lying on his tum found on the qobsnon son quite as the cholers a looptons??? (laptop???!) that book of the honor I see a large Sweaty osslmost lying behind the head of the boy land on the ead0 then was a foot Pint painted and to me he his “ Hreluy” Mr Hale Cr Hed Fst front far thing ferornen (foreman?) in charge of the body and there fast paint until after the arrival from Dadsullen at hims and the body remaind [page 108] And the Child was lying in the same position when Dr butler came up the chiulosay by way in the same as when I saw (was?) in(is, it, or an abbreviation?) it was from too m o gr (obviously abbreviations but can’t read it) from the known when the DeadNorty was (may?) lying when Ifsuch ?(Ifred?)see its.

Tanks Bryan
I have a supervisor (??) in the municipal(or could be anything really) phin I Privour a O not of Belak Coeather Rulk cloth (inserted above the line) “trousers” blk hthtrandered I reed her an Warrancy I may thewth (superscript for the th) the form OIsacn Risson fromkself Dealer mining sheet Hobart Town Mr Lawe her Qucas 1st for this

William Smith, constable in the Glenorchy Municipal Police, sworn, said: I was near Mr. Michael Johnson’s house on Tuesday last; the dead body of a female child was pointed out to me. Witness here stated the position in which the child lay and the nature of the wounds upon the body as detailed by previous witnesses, and continued – A footprint near tho body was pointed out to me by Mr. Hunter. Mr. Hull examined that foot print in my presence; I remained in charge of the body and the footprint until the arrival of Dr. Butler and the removal of the body. The child was lying in the same position when Dr. Butler came up as when I first saw it. It was between 40 and 50 yards from the house to shere the body was lying when I first saw it, which was between three and four in the afternoon.

Samuel Bryon, Sargeant, Glenorchy Municipal police, sworn, produced a black cloth coat, a pair of black cloth trowsers and a black cloth vest which witness said be received on the morning of the 13th instant, from Isaac Simpson, a general dealer, residing in Murray-street, Hobart Town. He accounted to me for where he got them and said he gave fifteen shillings for them. [Mercury, 19 September 1865.]

[page 109]
Illim McGeopffy (William Mc Geoffrey???)
I am a married horseman and beside wife her hands impersondence tea leery I was bing then on Sunday 12th instant I was at home on the afternoon of that day. I should not inform people by my humor 10 Jumber past the afternoon he had a almost (inserted above the line) cloak carrying under his left arm “its is what’s cak ??ed smear clock this abt the size of the oane fro the sinstoms of mr Iripts tutos “Paraclete” after he left lapsp’d in the overtime (something is written above the line – HARD to read and even see, maybe bur language?) I should know him he was ashange eome (at the right hand side, sort of inserted…he had a baby bath had over after??.l ?? shoulder)

(At the left.. looking round, that is the man
Offence perssinas a wer geoffetlyu in nonenacitium)

The following evidence was taken:
Ellen McGuffie, sworn, said: I am a married woman and reside with my husband in Providence Valley, near Hobart Town; I resided there on Tuesday the 12th September inst.; I was at home on the afternoon of that day; I observed a man pass my house at about ten minutes past four in the afternoon; I observed also that he had a large clock under his left arm; I think it would be called an American clock; it was a clock of about the size of the one now produced; the man came down the lane from the direction of Mr. Joseph Cato’s of Paraclete and went in the direction past the Quakers’ Burial Ground; he was a stranger to me; I think I should know him again if he was dressed the same as when I saw him; the man sitting in charge of the constable is like him; he had on a billy cock hat, turned up at the sides. (A billy cock hat taken from the accused was here placed on Griffiths’ head.) I have no doubt now that is the man.

The accused, being asked by the Coroner if he wished to ask this witness anything, replied “I’ve got no chance.”…[Mercury, 21 September 1865.]

Que

May (Mary?) Stern I was a married woman I wassuthr my husband houseI never creswer Hobt Town I not long then on Tuesday 12th Sept on that day afr to Miriamparth fear dears x then was lyn porning ground – Hill Street – as I was going along I had my little boy with me I such emwan casing along the corner of the humpy of wanting this Mum (Man?) was coming a clock under him and a few larger size. They collict an arenon clock the our produce is after the cucumbize. I observed a dark man (on storm, inserted above the line) at the Espy (noving end, inserted above the line) the clock Thomas abaht ?? yards from me

I am an squiggle, (obviously an abbreviation but not a clue) the Cluck produced there is Mt James mesthe (above the line,provided it was Deoff Mark and Hust) He came from the direction of the Horsh and was going toward H Town . I live in Hill Street it would (or could) not take and more than 5 pinters towalk to Mr Geoffry found (or from?) here this I just the mans He had dirty trousers or like mother kiwn his ointest fenterustior may (maps?) which him hesface grimy as he passed, I

Mary Stevens, a married woman residing with her husband in Lansdowne Crescent, in Hobart Town, said: I resided there on the 12th September instant; on that day about ten minutes past four in the afternoon I was coming along Hill-street by the Wesleyan Burial Ground as I was coming along with my little boy, I met a man coming round the corner of the Wesleyan Burial Ground; I observed a clock with him ; the man was carrying it under his left arm; it was a good sized clock; it was a large American clock; my little boy said to me, ” Mother, here’s a man with a clock”; the clock face was towards me; this clock now produced is about the same size and about the same freshness of varnish, it did not appear to me to be new; I noticed a dark mark upon the top of the clock as the man was passing; on examining this clock I notice the same stain or spot; the man was about four yards from me when he passed; I was in a very great hurry and did not take much notice of him until he had passed and my little boy cslled my attention to him; he was coming as if he was coming from the bush, into Hobart Town; I was coming up Hill-street; I know Mrs. McGuffie; it would take me about five minutes or not quite to walk to her house from where I met the man, I did not know the man; he kept his side face hidden from me; I should not like to say that I should know him again, but he had on moleskin trowsers so fearfully dirty that I could not help noticing him; they were so dirty that I thought he was a very low character. (The accused was here directed to stand up and his hat was placed in the position pointed out by witness as being the position in which the man who passed her had it over his face.) That is like the man, but I can’t say that it was him; he had long rough bushy hair and whiskers; my little boy who was with me is about five years old; the man kept his head down as he passed me, and his hat was partly over his face; when I saw the man he was coming from the direction of Mrs. McGuffie’s. …[Mercury, 21 September 1865.]

[page 110] the nonproffers Willm Griffiths

X Es quoturd that upon of duty Mohr akim insurious an, but I want my they wasnerhd. [A line across the page here.]

Bridget Docan I am a married woman I esior in memory sanus. Hobart Town my husband is up the country I know that person (man?) is name is William Griffiths I have known him
As the Mr I recollect Tuesday week I was at home. I keep a small shop and heral in loandd birm he came to my place between 9 and 10 oclock – house himself Hurinurd
(can’t read the rest of the long word) moving (?)
B
Mr Lawbeingou any (away?)(is this meant to be – my husband being away, I said…??) I said no I hold (or should instead of I hold) let e I would not give a Toss to a Public HouseMr Jr he should have moving if it come from the Dwel that Night and went away – he came to my house again at 4 oclock he came alone trying up back under hiss arms a slowfatherd (this word is written above the line) American clock it I had any high when he entered my house he much huntered the childrens bed tavern he came in by the shack gate that was the only door that was open that led by a short (this word is inserted above the line) passage (worde above the line is unreadable) that lead into the children’s bedroom I went into the bedroom and bought the clock out and put it on the counter in front of this?? Persons the mans(these two words are written above the line) called the proprietor and his wife. I said buill wehre did you get this mind what you are after
He said he bought that clock 12 months ago I said Bill you kept it a long time when he was gong away he said I will leave it a few minutes whist I go and her for mater he went away and returned in a few of a hour (quarter of an hour?).

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

pp 111-115 [to arrive from RHB]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

pp 116-120 [below transcribed by Carol Brill]

[End page 115] I [John Power] was in his Company for one hour he —– —

[page 116] he said he wanted to sell that Shirt to pay for his Lodging that night – I bought that shirt for 6d. and he paid for a pot of beer with the 6d. – after spending the 6d. I said I will find you a bed for the night Then went over to Gibbons Brisbane Street he came in and remained with me ten minutes he had a Bundle with him He said he wanted to —- his Bundle – I next saw him with the Clock – I should call it an American Clock & the Clock is about the size of the one produced He had his Hand on the bottom of the Clock the upper part under his Armpit I see the Man on Monday in Gibbons Public House

Griffiths do you know how many of you came into the Public House –

[J. P.] I think you and a Man named Simpson

[J. P.] This (?man? inserted) Wilding might have been in the Public House about an hour when Griffiths & Simpson they were not out of the Public House until they went to get the Money for the Opossum skin rug (“of which ?he sold? to the ?dealer?” inserted)
I see you and Simpson the Drinks came in and spend a 1/- a piece
7.
John Gibbons I am a Licensed Victualler the Sir John Franklin Murray Street. I know the two Men by sight – Willing — & Mr. Griffiths – — only – the Man — at — another
Constable, the man Wilding I only saw at my House last Monday week 11th
I see him “Griffiths” the same day . The Man Griffiths came with Simpson the Dealer. – They came to my —- and spent 1/- Each the Man Wilding & Griffiths (“on Monday” inserted) remained — an half an hour that day – it was at 8 o’clock Tuesday morning he came to me

[page 117]
to ask if I had seen his Mate Meaning Wilding
not since last night/ he said he robbd? me yesterday of half a Sovereign I said don’t tell lies you changed it with me and put them in a “steel purse” I saw (“I had him in sight” inserted) you put (‘it in” inserted) steel purse (“I convinced him”inserted) all ?right? (“he said” inserted) will you give me a pint of Beer (? Inserted) I am going to O’Brien’s
and shall get ?some? bloody Money – with that my Wife Drawed him a glass Beer
I shall be here again tonight and will spend a few shillings then he went to Murray Street
I see Wilding abt. 1 [sic. “11” in Mercury] o’clock in the Morning – “Tuesday” He came to my House later in the morning – he had clothing (“gave me this ?long?” inserted) with him I told him your mate has been asking for you where did you get to, I got drunk and found myself in — yard — back of the Play House asked him where his wide awake [hat] was – he said he lost it and a Woman gave him an old Cap on the Monday he was wearing a wide awake, he said do you know if my Bedding is right – I said yes I knew he had left it at Simpsons – I said you cannot get it as Simpsons gone to the Police Office ( “— a little after 12 o’clock —-“ inserted) he said I will go and see if I can find my Mate was away ½ an hour he then ask my Wife to give him something to Eat She would not give him anything – I went in to the House and came back to “Wilding” (“and ?told him?” inserted) Simpson had ?returned? (indecipherable sentence inserted) the Man in the Bar ?higher? up and walk away, he [Wilding] was away abt. 5 minutes and then returned with his Bedding and some Bread & Meat (“— of Pork” inserted) I heard him ask my Daughter for a glass I said he has something to eat give it him he remained till 3 o’clock —- his Bundle (“?wanted to sell shirt? inserted) I should like a Beer – there was a Man named Powers in at this time – he sold the shirt for 6d. – he remained ?another? hour

[page 118]
7
after he sold the Shirt at 4 o’clock when he sold the Shirt and went with Powers with his Bundle – he came back in after noon time and said I have to go on up the Land he went up Murray Street with his Bundle on his Back

?applied? for Griffiths answer

[Griffiths] No use in saying anything
8
Emma Swift I am a Married Woman and reside with my Husband in Liverpool St. — last Tuesday 12th – I was at Home that afternoon abt. 5 oclock A clock brought by 2 Men – that one I (“Wilding” inserted) know and that is the other – Griffiths The other man with him called him Bill – Wilding came first (“together—“ inserted) and ask me if I wanted to buy a Clock He had the Clock with him I askd him what sort of Clock it was he said an American Clock I askd him if the Clock belonged to him he said he would not carry a Clock in open day light if it was not his own I askd him if he lived in up Town he said yes I then ask of him if the clock was going he (shorthand for “said”) he had had it for 12 Months and it kept very good time the Man who had the Clock went to the door and calld Bill and ?he came inside? & the Man “Griffiths” took the Weights of the Clock out of his pockets – the man Wilding told him to put the weights on the Clock which he did and wound it’s the Clock up They left the Clock for one Hour and it would not go well (“he ?ask? ?him?” inserted) he took the Clock from the Counter to a side table They both went out of my Shop together I removed the Clock from the Table on to the floor and it would not go The Men — I told him the Clock did not go
—– ?my? ?Story? he had the clock 12 months and it always kept good time – he then took it to the Door and

[page 119]
8
he calld “Bill” – Wilding said the Clock would not go
Griffiths said strange I have had the clock 12 Mths always kept good time The Men
(“Griffiths” crossed out) ?waited? about 5 Minutes and the the Man Griffiths took it away. as they were going away the Man Griffiths said — — am going away in the Morning take the Clock and make it a present to her
I should know the Clock again “Pendulum”
I have seen that Clock that is the —- before — Liverpool Street, Hobart.
?By? Griffiths

[E. Swift] ?You? took the weights out of left Pocket you had a Coat on you carried the Clock (“and” then indeciperable inserted)

[Griffiths] when I left your House

[E. Swift] you did not take the weights off, the Man Wilding ask you if you was going to take the Weights off ——— did not ?answer?

9

William Gale Eating (“and lodging” inserted) house-keeper, Liverpool Street Hobart Town I recollect Tuesday 12 P’t [present] Month between 5 – 6 o’clock of ?the day? A Clock was brought by 2 Men the Man Wilding was carrying the Clock Wilding brought it in and askd me to buy the Clock I would not have anything to do with it then he took the Clock away. After a little while they passed without the Clock They said no [they hadn’t sold it] they had left it —- ?further? about an Hour to try it. Abt. an Hour after they were coming down with the Clock as they were passing I said you have not sold it One of the two said the Woman would have had it but had not the Money at Home her Husband was not at Home and she did not know how long that would be

[page 120]
10
William Vickers (shorthand for “examined” inserted) Detective Constable in the Police city of Hobart Town I produce a (“this” inserted) Clock I received it from the Witness William Gale on the 13th Instant – Requested him [to mark it W] (“W mark” inserted) it in my presence it is in the same state as when you got it from him I handed it to them – property of Mr. Jones (“C.D.C.” inserted) on Thursday 14th.

11
Susan Males, wife of Wm. Males Keeper of the Kings Arms Murray St. Hobart Town.
I know that Man “Wilding” and that Man “William Griffiths” by Sight I see both Wilding & Griffiths last Monday Week between 11 Griffiths came he remaind abt. 10 minutes then left, and returned with Wilding and stayd to about 4. They both went away together Griffiths returnd (“– came with Griffiths/ & then Wilding +” inserted) between 6 – 7 and remained until after 10 o’clock a few Minutes he went away —– other Man
Griffiths returned between 8 & 9 ?without? the other Man the next Morning. Stpd. A few Minutes I see him again between 5 & 6 o’clock – he stopd. — — after I had closed the Door He asked me if I could make him a Bed I told him I could not he went away
he came again to my House —– before 8 & 9 on Wednesday Morning he — then that he was arrested by the Police.
When ?they found? Griffiths —– came on the Wednesday afternoon they had not — with ?him? He remained in front of my Bar – after that he went into my Kitchen this ?was — the police ? arrested him for the Murders ?Towards Evening? – I have known Griffiths 3 years – I don’t ?remember? any —– —– / I ?remember? looking for the Men — —- I don’t think — — for he has been — — Monday

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pp 121-146 [to arrive from AP]

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