Royal Commission App 13-1
The Royal Commission Appendix 13
Miscellaneous Evidence
PRISONER WILLIAMSON'S STATEMENT.—15.11.78.
The following is a further statement made to Inspector Green on the 15/11/78 by prisoner Williamson, in the Pentridge prison:—
The Kellys are certain to keep on the ranges in the neighborhood, and get supplied with rations from Mrs. Skillion, which she would plant for them. They are likely to be camped at the head of one of the creeks, and as far back as they can keep; probably the Rose, the Hurdle, which is very scrubby, or the Cut-a-way, from which places they could see the police coming. They cross at Peacock's paddock on the King. They will not come from the ranges except when the way is clear, as Mrs. Skillion can signal to them when the police are about by hanging a white sheet on a line fastened from the end of the house to a sapling which can be seen at a great distance.
They would probably get rations at Mick Millar's, near the Buckland, as King, who is along with Ned Kelly, is supposed to be a half-brother of Millar's. If pushed they would take food from any of the farmers' houses about.
There is a store at the Merry-jig, on the Devil's River, where they would likely get food; it is kept by a relative of the Lloyds on the wife's side. Jack Quinn would allow them to come to his house and take rations.
The following is a description of Kelly's horses:—
1st. A bay horse with white patch on near rump.
2nd. A tall bay mare, well bred, branded W >E (thinks near shoulder), small B under near saddle. This is Edw. Kelly's favorite.
3rd. A little bay mare, JC made into JO or JQ near shoulder, >E on some other part.
4th. A little chesnut with one eye.
5th. A chesnut horse with silver mane and tail, 17 or 18 hands high, which is used as a pack-horse.
Williamson is confident that the Kellys will keep to the ranges, as Ned Kelly told him often that it would be no good for him to try and get away as every body knew him well, and also that he would be suspicious of persons putting him away. The Johnstons , of Black Range Creek, would put the Kellys away; they are good bushmen, and know the country well; their father kept a station, and was known as Buffalo Johnston. Tom Lloyd and Wild Wright would also put them away. If they do leave the ranges they are certain to stick-up and make a haul. They would likely try the Seymour bank, as Ned Kelly had it in view for a long time to stick it up. They would keep the bush until they got to Seymour , and return the same way. Mrs. Skillion would probably get the haul. The Kellys have a track from Greta to Barnawartha; they pass under the railway bridge.
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[Confidential.]
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Forwarded for the information of Mr. Nicolson and Mr. Sadleir. I address this to the latter, being uncertain whether Mr. Nicolson is still in Benalla. At all events, the information, which is important, should be communicated to him as soon as possible.
The signals which Mrs. Skillian makes from her place clearly bring her within the reach of the new Act. It would be very desirable to convict her, if possible, or, at any rate, to prosecute her.
A/1100 F. C. STANDISH,
28/11/78 C. C. Police
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