The Alexandra and Yea Standard, Gobur, Thornton and Acheron Express at KellyGang 2/11/1878 (5)
Tired out, he could scarcely refrain from sleeping, but subsequently pushed on, and after a good sleep, in a hollow log, made the Broken River police station, from whence, by the help of a horse borrowed from a civilian, he was enabled to make Benalla police station at 5 pm on Monday, and satisfy all doubts as to his safety. He. has no doubt whatever as to his encountering the bushrangers, who, it is thought, had taken advantage of the time afforded them to travel from the scene of outrage to endeavour to stop, any party coming to arrest them. M'Intyre, on coming in from the scene of the encounter, was so scared as to. believe the murderers would be. in Mansfield that night; and there seems: little reason to doubt the fact of their having scouts out to watch which way the police were going. In fact, on his journey, Meehan was passed by two notorious friends of the bushrangers, who wore a peculiar smile upon their countenances, which the constable surmised boded ill for him."
30th October
The search party returned about mid night, after a weary, fruitless search. The description given by them of the country is that it is frightful, It abounds in deep gullies, and is covered with long grass and scrub, and immense fallen trees. There are almost perpendicular hills affording every chance for the murderers concealing themselves within a few yards of pursuers Five policemen have been left at Monk's hut, for the night. The two Wrights were brought up at the police court this morning, charged with using threatening language towards members of the search party. The dumb brother was discharged, but the elder brother, Wild Wright, was remanded for seven days, bail being refused. Four troopers arrived at 1 o'clock today from Melbourne, but they have no knowledge of the country. It is suggested here that the Government should offer a free pardon to one of Kelly's mates. Another party was organised to day at 4 o'clock to accompany the police, who had just arrived from Melbourne, and will meet the police left at Monk's hut The news of the reward being increased to £800 each has been received with satisfaction.
The search includes storekeepers, clerks, councillors, clergy men, wardsmen, contractors, laborers. and bushmen, and is headed by Mr James Tonkins, president of the shire Council. Business is entirely suspended. A reward has been offered for the recovery of Sergeant Kennedy, alive or dead. The last party took provisions to last for a week. The widow of Constable Lanogan arrived last nigh, but was too late to see the body of her husband being interred. Great sympathy is felt for Mrs Kennedy, who is almost distracted on account of the uncertainty of her husband's fate.
CHILTERN, 31st October
Kelly and three others stuck up a man named N Christian near Baumgarten's place, at Bungowanah, before day light yesterday morning, and obtained provisions from him. Kelly threatened to shoot Christian should he give intimation. Intelligence was not obtained till this afternoon. Assistance required to scour the country in the neighborhood of Bungowanah.
JAMES LYNCH, Sergeant.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)
MANSFIELD, TUESDAY
Two desperate fellows named or called Dummy Wright and Wild Wright, relatives of Kelly's gang, were arrested this morning in the township. Wild Wright had to be threatened with a revolver by the police before he would allow himself to be handcuffed. They are charged with using threatening language, having sought to intimidate some of the search party, threatening to shoot them. It is rumoured that some of the gang will storm the Police Camp to-night and release the Wrights. Another party organised this morning, about 20 residents turning out to search for Sergeant Kennedy. The Government offer 800 pounds reward for the capture of the bush- rangers. Inquiry was held this morning on the bodies of the murdered policemen. From M'Intyre's evidence Kennedy was being shot at when M'Intyre escaped. Pewtress fatigued. No rest since Sunday. The police are not too plentiful. All firearms are in requisition. It is not safe to leave the town un- less well armed. Confederates are supposed to be stationed about Mansfield to convey movements of police. Constable M'Intyre stated at them inquiry to day that the bushrangers told him they know of all his movements, and had their eyes upon the police some hours before they attacked them. The country is very thick with scrub, but well known to the gang.
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