Royal Commission report day 34 page 3
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The Royal Commission evidence for 29/6/1881
(see also introduction to day 34)
12565.5 MY DEAR MR. SEYMOUR
Beechworth, 14th Decr. 1879
I received your congratulations contained in your letter dated the 1st Decr, yesterday. Many thanks for your kind advice contained therein; but you may be sure I will never give up the “catching of the Kellys” until they are caught. In reference to the Kellys, I must tell you that I am confident that they have not very long to run now, as when I explain to you what we have done in the work, I think you will agree. Up to the time of Standish's departure from Benalla, nothing was done that was likely to bring about the capture; nothing, but men in large parties racing through the country upon no information, hoping against hope, to drop upon the outlaws. I remonstrated with the Chief, but anything, he thought, was better than staying quiet and working the detective business, as he was afraid that unless he made a great stir the public would think he was not doing his best. Since the Chief's departure the Assistant-Chief Comr. Nicolson has been put in command, and his plan of working is just the very opposite. During the last three months, friends and relations of the murderers have been either bought over, or induced by promises to work for the police, the whole matter as to where the outlaws are, is reduced to a small circle of about 20 miles, and I trust, most sincerely, that a very short time will suffice to put us in possession of the information that we are waiting for, viz., some one to be able to point out the tracks of the wretches. * * * * *
You will be glad to hear that the boys are all in good health and very jolly.
With kind regards to yourself.
Yours truly,
( Sd. )STANHOPE O'CONNOR.
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P.S.–I am only here for a few days on account of being nearer our work; Beechworth is about 46 miles from Benalla, and connected by rail.–(Sd.) STANHOPE O'CONNOR.
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(Copy )
12565.5 MY DEAR MR SEYMOUR,
Benalla, 2nd June 1880
For some time past the C. Commissioner has been proposing that a change should be made in the management of the Kelly work. This change took place to day and consists of the recall of Assist. C. Commissioner Nicolson to Melbourne, and Superintendent Hare taking charge of the business. This charge is one only in name, as Mr. Hare only retired from this work last July. Under the present aspect of affairs I am afraid that there is very little chance of us gaining any credit. I am convinced of this, as the C. Commissioner told me that he could do the work without our assistance; and tried to do it upon one occasion when he thought he had received the straight lip. This and other matters, some of which you are aware of, strengthens me in my opinion. It is publicly known that the moment a few scrubbers of boys can be collected, we are to go. Also, one of my men have been taken from me to make a beginning of a new team. I think you must agree with me that the sooner we leave for Queensland the better; in fact I strongly recommend that you should take the initiative by recalling us at once, or we will be told to go as soon as the other boys arrive. I will require a month's leave to arrange my private affairs in Melbourne ; for this period I can retain the boys, as they really deserve a spell from their good conduct; or, if you like, I could put them on board a steamer for Brisbane .
Wire me your wishes as soon as possible. Hoping you and Mr. Barrow are well, and that I will see you both soon.
Yours very sincerely,
( Sd. )STANHOPE O'CONNOR.
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(Copy )
12565.6 Mr DEAR MR. SEYMOUR,
I never saw such an attempt to try and do us out of all credit as the heads of this force did, but, owing to the prominent part taken by myself in the attack, they had to give in. If I had not known a great many men of some weight, who were determined to see that the credit should be given to whom it was due, I am afraid we should have been obliged to have taken a back seat. Even now I think that the distribution of the reward will be all on the Victorian side, unless an impartial board is appointed. ******
I will wire you any news. I think Standish will try to prove that I had nothing to do with the Victorian police, so that when Hare left I was not in command. This is, of course, absurd, as I was sworn in a member of this force. Now I think if the enquiry should not be for a month or so, I had better bring my men back to Brisbane and return.
Supt. Chomley says nothing could be kinder than you all to him when in Brisbane . * *
Hoping to see you soon.
I remain, yours very truly,
( Sd. )STANHOPE O'CONNOR
6th July 1980 .
Address, " wire " or " letter," The Ferns, Flemington, Melbourne .....
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