The Argus at KellyGang 12/2/1879 (5)
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 incarerated, Byrne took possession of the office, and overhauled all the telegrams sent that day. The affair caused a most profound sensation, and many able-bodied men turned pale and almost fainted when they were informed the Kellys were here. The Kellys 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 7 p.m., 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 Kelly 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.
ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS
Great excitement prevails here just now. Yesterday afternoon the town was filled with swagsmen of suspicious character. To-day unknown men are seen about. In the swags of the strangers revolvers were seen. Mr 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 he 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 abide the consequences, as every inhabitant would be shot.
SYDNEY, TUESDAY.
The inspector-general of police immediately on receipt of the news of the outrage committed yesterday by the Kelly gang sent off some 30 or 40 telegrams containing warnings and instructions to all police stations in and near the frontier district. There is already a large additional force of police in various parts of the border district, all well mounted and armed. A number of troopers were despatched by the evening train to Wagga to proceed in pursuit of the Kelly gang. As soon as news of the Jerilderie outrage reached Albury, police were told off to guard the banks at Albury, and in the country districts. It is conjectured that the Kelly gang may have stuck up Urana, as no communication has been received from there. A visit of the Kelly gang to Wagga is feared and the banks have taken precautions to guard their interests. There is considerable excitement there, as the state of the police force gives no sense of security from a visit of the gang.
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