The Argus
13/11/1878
... part of the KellyGang story
Full text of article
Some men and horses were sent up the line towards Beechworth to-day, and this gave rise to the rumour that something definite had been heard in that locality. It appears, however, that these men were only returning to their stations between Everton and Beechworth. Until some more trustworthy info rmation comes it is not probable that any important move will be made, but in the meantime parties are out in several directions, and info rmation of importance may be received at any moment, on which future movements will of course depend.
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MANSFIELD , TUESDAY
The Mansfield court-house has been kept open all day for the purpose of permitting the Kelly gang to surrender, in accordance with the Felon’s Act. Mr Sub-inspector Pewtress, with a constable, having been in attendance, but none of the party have put in an appearance. Some here have cherished the thought that the two unknown men might have come forward, and by some statements saved their lives; but others think that, however strong the desire might be to do so, the two Kellys would not trust them out of their sight. The impression is stronger here than ever that the gang never went 10 miles from the place where the murder was committed, and that the murderers are still in the mountains. Several anonymous letters have been sent to the police tendering all sorts of info rmation, and suggesting various persons and places that should be watched, as well as directing the police to move to certain extreme places where they will be sure to find the murderers, but the police wisely take but little notice of what is evidently being done to mislead them.
The man Lynch, who is in the lock-up charged with writing the threatening letter to Mr Monk is very reticent, and refuses to give any information, or even to answer questions. He seems fully to understand his position since Mr Pewtress info rmed him that the penalty against aiders and abettors was 15 years’ imprisonment. The identity of the writing in the letter signed “E and D Kelly” with one found amongst the correspondence at the shire office signed “Walter Lynch” is unmistakable. There appears to be no attempt at concealment or disguise in the handwriting, and the culprit displayed no cunning in effecting his clumsy job. I have just been info rmed that neither of the Kellys can write. An expert is expected here to give his opinion, but the thing is as plain as a pikestaff, and one of Lynch’s old mates recognised and identified the handwriting as that of Lynch’s before he knew the man, was locked up. Great sympathy is felt for Mrs Monk, who is near her confinement, and is with her children in the lone house with such a horrible threat over her. Some of the Mansfield people will try and persuade her to come into town with her family. The Government should make some provision in a case like this, and see that Mr Monk is not a sufferer either in pocket or life for the assistance he gave in guiding the police to discover the bodies of the murdered police. As for the statement that Mr Monk volunteered to go in search of the Kelly gang, there is no truth in it. He simply said he would act as guide, out of humanity, to find the dead bodies, and told Mr Pewtress that he would not stir for a thousand pounds to track the murderers.
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23-aug-10
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