The Alexandra and Yea Standard, Gobur, Thornton and Acheron Express at KellyGang 15/2/1879 (2)
threatened to shoot one of them, but better counsels prevailed. Two thousand pounds have been taken from the bank. When the bushrangers had finished at the bank they went to some of the hotels treating everyone civilly, and had drinks. Hart took a new saddle from the saddler's. Several watchers were taken, but afterwards returned. Two splendid police horses were taken, and other horses were wanted, but the residents begged that they might not be taken, as they belonged to women, and the Kellys did not take them. When the telegraph operators were incarcerated, Byrne took possession of the office, and overhauled all the telegrams out that day.
The affair caused a most protecd sensation, and many able bodied men turned pale and almost fainted when they were told the Kellys were here. The KelIys managed the whole affair-with judgment, and had there been twice the number of police here they would have carried out their design. The Kellys left about 7pm, but I cannot say what direction they took.
The Kellys openly stated that they came purposely to shoot Constable Devine, only his; wife begged his life.
Ned Kellys openly stated that he intended to stick up the Urana coach and bank. Two of the police and two civilians armed with guns offered to go in the coach, but the driver declined to take the police. The police had no means of following the gang, being unarmed and without horses.
Great excitement prevails here just now. Yesterday afternoon the town was filled with swagamen of suspicious character. To-day unknown men are seen about. In the swags of the strangers revolvers were seen.
Mr S Gill, journalist, when called upon to stand, being frightened, ran away, and planted himself in the creek. Ned Kelly, in company with Mr Living and Constable Richards, came over to the printing office, when Richards said, "Mrs Gill, don’t be afraid, this is Kelly." Mrs Gill replied, "I am not afraid." Kelly said, "Don't be afraid; I won't hurt you nor your husband. He should not have run away" Mrs Gill replied, "If you shoot me dead, I don't know where Mr Gill is. You gave him such a fright I expect h. is lying dead somewhere." Mr Living said, "You see, Kelly, the woman is telling you the truth." Kelly said, "All I want him for is to print this letter, the history of my life, and I wanted to see him to explain it to him." Mr Living said, “For God's sake, Kelly, give me the papers, and I will give them to Gill " Mr Living under promise then received the papers. This is given as I received it from Mrs Gill, who, though alarmed, never evinced any fear. Later in the day Kelly mixed up with a number of persons at M'Dougall's, and said any one could shoot him, but they would have to stand the consequences, as every inhabitant would be shot.
BENALLA, 12th February
Up to the present time no information has been received as to the movements of the Kelly's gang since their departure from Jerilderie, and their whereabouts remains a complete mystery. It is still thought that they have recrossed into Victoria, but nothing at all reliable to that effect has at present transpired. The police have received no information from Tocumwal, and it is therefore believed that all the rumours from that direction are mere canards. It Is believed that the police will be able to intercept the gang if they attempt, at once to revisit their old haunts.
JERILDERIE 12th February.
There is no additional news, nothing further having transpired than what has been reported. Since the Kellys left the township not a word has been heard of them.
SYDNEY 12th February
To a question upon the subject, ask in the Legislative Assembly this evening, the Premier replied that Government taken every possible step to ? ? the law and the country from the outrage committed by the Kelly's but he declined to disclose the details of what had been done.
A strong detachment of the New South Wales police force has left for the locality of the Kellys latest raid. They have departed silently, owing to the fair that their expedition will terminate in a fiasco.
BEECHORTH, Wednesday (see)
It is rumoured on good authority that Dan Kelly was seen today near Gapstead Hotel 10 miles from Beechworth. A man named David Rae, who was riding in to the cattle market, states that he met Dan on horseback. When he came near Dan put his hand behind his hack, recognised Rae, and spoke, to him in passing. He was splendidly mounted on a bay horse and well dressed. Rae swears it was Dan, and as he has known the Kelly family intimately for years there is some colour in the rumour. The police are out. The man was alone, and was going along the Myrtleford road.
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