Royal Commission report day 45 page 5
The Royal Commission evidence for 10/8/1881
(see also introduction to day 45)
John Sherritt giving evidence
15392 By the Commission (to the witness)— You say you told Mr. Nicolson of this; when did you tell him?— I think he brought this into conversation about this man coming, and I told Mr. Nicolson who it was shortly after I was engaged to work for him.
15393 Would it be a fortnight after you brought this letter to Ward?— It would.
15394 Were you engaged to the police when you got this letter and brought it to them?— No; I do not think so.
15395 Had Ward at this time engaged you in any capacity and paid you for your services?— No; but I used to tell Ward if I thought the bushrangers were about.
15396 You know that envelope?— Yes.
15397 Did you take that to Ward?— No, I believe I posted it myself.
15398 Did you have that in your possession—[handing a letter to the witness, who examined the contents]?— Yes, I had that in my possession.
15399 What did you do with it?— I posted it.
15400 Addressed to whom?— To Ward.
15401 At that time were you engaged by Ward to supply information to the police on the movements of the outlaws; were you receiving money from Ward for that?— Not at that time.
15402 Were you engaged by Mr. Nicolson, or had you seen Mr. Nicolson, previous to posting that letter?— No, I had not.
15403 Did Ward at any time before you were engaged by Mr. Nicolson ask whether you knew anything about the letter?— I told Ward I did not know the man; just what the man told me to tell him.
15404 Did you tell Ward you knew of that letter but did not know who gave it you to post?— Yes.
15405 How long after that was it before you met Mr. Nicolson?— I think about a fortnight or three weeks.
15406 Then, after that, did Mr. Nicolson ask you anything in reference to the letter?— Yes, he was asking me what the man came for; if I knew him.
15407 What did you tell Mr. Nicolson when that subject first cropped up with him?— I told him who it was; I told him it was Joe Byrne who came with the letter.
15408 Then you told him the first time the conversation cropped up with him who it was?— Yes.
15409 You could not have told Mr. Nicolson at the time you delivered it to Ward, because you did not at that time know him?— That is so.
15410 By Mr. Nicolson— Do you remember your brother Aaron's hut being robbed of a saddle?— Yes, I do.
15411 When was that?— I do not know the date.
15412 How long after his marriage?— A good while after his marriage.
15413 Do you know who committed the robbery of the things from his house?— No.
15414 There was a lady's side-saddle that was taken?— I say, gentlemen, Mr. Nicolson must think I am very ignorant and low, if you want to make out that I took the saddle. If I give any evidence I will only be criminating myself.
15415 I do not imply anything?— I will answer any fair questions you put.
15416 By the Commission— When was this side-saddle lost?— I do not remember the date.
15417 Do you remember the time the side-saddle was stolen?— Yes.
15418 Can you fix anywhere about the date?—(No answer.)
15419 Mr. Nicolson — Mullane can supply the date. (To the witness.)—Were you ever accused by the police of stealing the saddle?— No.
15420 Was any information lodged against you for stealing that or any other article?— No, never.....
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