Royal Commission report day 10 page 16

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The Royal Commission evidence for 7/4/1881

(full text transcription)

(see also introduction to day 10)

Sup John Sadleir giving evidence

1968 The 11th November appears to be the date of the final work done by that agent, so that that man could not act in that other matter. you employed another man to see about it?— Yes. I see by this agent's last letter of the 11th, he was finishing his employment with us then, so that he must have been employed during the early part of the month of November 1878.

1969 Is that the letter you received?— That is the only written communication I had from him.

1970 All the others were verbal?— Yes. The man would see me at my stable or buggy shed or any other place.

1971 That is the last letter?— Yes; that shows his work was ended then. He says he is to give up his occupation.

1972 Did he assign any reason?— Yes, he gave his reasons. His own belief was that he was getting suspected; the ostensible reason given by him to another one whom he was depending on was that he was not wanted by the same person any longer. About the 7th or 8th December, in the absence of Mr. Nicolson, I received the communication. This is another of those documents in which private interests are involved, but if you will allow me to alter the localities, I can read it. This letter was received, and I am not at liberty to say how it came into the possession of the police. It was forwarded to me by a member of the police force. It was to this effect. It was to a near blood relation of the Kellys and one of their most thorough assistants. — “Sir, I have been requested by E. and D. Kelly to do what I could to assist them in crossing here.” There was no date and no other particulars about them. “I am to write to you to let you know the arrangements. They are to be at a time to be named at the junction of Indigo Creek and Murray , and there is to be a password, it is this—'Any work to be had?' 'yes.' 'Where?' On the New South Wales side one shall meet you. I will have a boat ready. There must not be any horses come to the river, if you should have horses they must be led by the bridge to a safe place already prepared for them. I will have four on each aide of the river to watch upper and lower side. I have a place fixed where you will be safe. If you should want horses there will some be got for you. There are two days they will join you if requested. You must mind it will want money and I have got none. When you write, direct to Howlong for - (the signer).” It is not out of sympathy I do not mention the name, but it is sent by a person well known and suspected at that neighborhood. I made a note on it at the time to this effect, amongst other matters. “The envelope showed the Bungowannah and Albury post-marks of the 3rd instant.” (JJK)

1973 Howlong is the township below Bungowannah and next to Albury?— Yes, and the junction of the Indigo River . The place of meeting is near to Howlong. “There is no fear of any action being taken by —(the writer) or his confederates for some days, unless this a blind to cover movements already taken.” This is sent by me, dated on the 8th December 1878 .

1974 Then you had not faith in that document?— Well, I had half faith in it, and we had faith in the officer to carry it out. I was sending this to the sergeant of police near the locality. I ascertained from him that there was a person of the name of the writer there, and that he was to report about other matters, to facilitate further movements.

1975 That is the letter you received prior to the bank robbery of Euroa?— Yes,

1976 And shows why you went north about that time?— Yes.

1977 What its the post-mark of Bungowannah?— Third December,

1978 You had been continually in Benalla for how many days prior to the 10th?— I will find out that between this and next meeting.

1979 Also as to what action was taken by the police on the information you received on the 30 th October and the 14th November?— Yes.

Mr. Nicolson handed in a document with reference to the comparative statement made by Mr. Hare of the expenses.

The witness withdrew.

Adjourned to Tuesday next at Eleven o'clock

[~[[See report of Proceedings 7/4/81]|5854]~]

See next day

12/4/1881 .....

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