Difference between revisions of "Royal Commission report day 13 page 2"

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The Royal Commission evidence for 14/4/1881

(see also introduction to day 13)

Superintendent John Sadleir evidence

2760 Would you argue from that that there were only two at the murder of Sherritt?— I think that is certain. I attended at the Benalla railway station when Mr. Hare met Mr. O'Connor on the morning of the 28th. I saw them start for Glenrowan, the combined parties, by special train, and then I returned and got to bed again about half-past three. I was called by a constable. I cannot say the hour. I was very fast asleep, and took some time before I was quite aware what he was talking about.

2761 Was it before daylight?— Yes, long before. I think about four o'clock on the morning of the 28th June. He brought various messages; the first message, I think, was, that the engine Mr. Hare was travelling on had not arrived at Wangaratta. The next was, that it had arrived at Wangaratta. Then the next message was, that that last one was a mistake; it had not arrived, and that firing was heard near Glenrowan; and I got a final message that Mr. Hare was wounded, and that the Kellys were shut up, surrounded at Glenrowan. I should say that those messages all came from Wangaratta, arrangemeets having been made to keep the telegraph going between the two places until Mr. Hare had safely passed up with this party.

2762 That was because the party meant to go beyond Wangaratta?— Yes; and the same arrangement was made with the Beechworth telegraph station—it was kept open. I think Mr. Hare made some other arrangement, that all other stations were to report at two o'clock that morning, or half-past two, all the stations in which we were interested, as to whether things were all right there. As soon as I got the last message I have referred to, I jumped out of bed and dressed, saddled my horse, and started. In the meantime I had beard further, that Mr. Hare was coming to the Benalla post office, and wished to see me. I got to the post office between four and five.

2763 That is the telegraph office?— And telegraph office; they are both the same. I found Mr. Hare there. He was sitting down, dictating to Mr. Saxe the operator. He spoke of going back to Glenrowan; I told him it would be foolish to do so. He was badly wounded, and he was then growing faint as I spoke to him; and he fainted, I believe, before I left the yard. While I was speaking it was only a very few moments.

2764 What did he say to you?— He told me that the Kellys were at Mrs. Jones's and to hurry on; I forget his words beyond that. Of course I wanted no orders after that; he told me to hurry on and to take all the police with me that I had. Those were all collecting at this moment, and running on foot by the post office to the railway station. I do not think he said anything else. Before I had done speaking with him he asked for water; he was growing faint, and I do not think there were many more words passed between us. I rode then—galloped down on horseback—to the railway station. I found the engine ready to start, but was delayed for about ten minutes, waiting for Dr. Nicholson. It was reported at this time that there were others wounded. We were delayed until a few minutes past five, as far as I remember, and we reached Glenrowan, myself and several police, a list of whom I will give presently.

2765 Was it dark then?— Yes, it was dark; there was a moon—there was no daylight. They landed at Glenrowan

2766 About what time?— It is fifteen miles and we travelled fast—I should say it would be after half-past five. The first thing on landing I asked for Mr. O'Connor. The whole of the men who had come with me and myself were standing in a cluster for a moment.

2767 Your own men?— My own men. It was pointed out to me that we were being fired upon, and then I could hear the bullets striking close near us from the house—Jones's. Senior-Constable Kelly appeared about this time, and I ascertained from him how the men were placed—the first question I asked him—and he represented some point, I forget now particularly, that was weak, and I gave him all of my own men to strengthen the different points all round while I should go and see Mr. O'Connor. I saw Mr. O'Connor immediately. I ascertained from him what he knew of the position of affairs. I was informed that the outlaws and their prisoners had barricaded the place with the furniture and bags of grain or chaff, and something of that sort.

2767a Where was the point you met Mr. O'Connor—where was he at this time?— He was in the watercourse in cover, about forty-five yards from the front door of Jones's.

2768 Was he with his men—did you see his men round him?— There were only two of his men and Constable Kirkham, two trackers, Jack Jimmy.

2769 Is Kirkham a colored man?— No, one of our ordinary men; he was attached to the trackers.

2770 Did Senior-Constable Kelly seem to have charge of all arrangements?— He was the first man I saw who knew what was going on. He was the only sub-officer on the ground, I think, and it was he who told me where Mr. O'Connor was. I spoke with Mr. O'Connor for some time, during which the outlaws came out and challenged the police, making the noise upon their armour.

2771 Did you see them come out?— I could see the figures and hear the sound most distinctly.

2772 What light was there then?— The light w as not sufficient to distinguish.....

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