The Argus at KellyGang 19/11/1879 (7)
Captain Moonlite
A rush of policemen was at once made and the man was dragged out. On being searched it was found that he had a belt containing a pistol and a knife. All the prisoners were conveyed to the Gundagai gaol today. The men killed will be interred there.
(FROM ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT)
WAGGA WAGGA, TUESDAY
It has transpired that the man who brought the nevvs to Sub inspector Medley on Sunday night of Wantabadgery being stuck up, heard it at Enngoarrah, Fennell's selection, and simply said it was a lot of drunken shearers. The inspector did not think it was the bushrangers, and sent out four constables only, otherwise he would have gone himself with Sergeant Vizzard, an old Crimean veteran. Constable Bowen is now given up by the doctors. He is the same man who shot the two Tenterfield bushrangers. An incident in the affair is that a man at Euringilly heard that the bushrangers were at Wantabadgery. He ran with a double-barrelled gun. The bushrangers met him and said, "What are you going to do?" He replied, "I am off to engage the bushrangers."
"We are them, replied Moonhte, "and, will try you for having firearms in your pos session by jury", which was empanelled from two of the gang and two of the station hands. Their verdict was "not guilty" and Moonhte said, "you can feel - glad. If found guilty you would have had five minutes to live."
The police then hove in sight, and Moonlite told his prisoner "Hold my horse, while he shot at the police. When holding the horse during the engagement a ball from the police grazed the face of Moonlite's prisoner, who then ran away, and met Mr Fishbourne, of Fishbourne and Morton coming over the hill with six armed navvies who demanded him in the Queen s name to stand. The man told them who he was, and went through with the party. They took up a position on the hill, but did not show fight. A policeman from Bethunga was also seized by the gang, and disarmed.
It is thought the gang are all Victorians. Little doubt is left but what the head of the gang called "boss" is "Moonlite." The others went by numbers. The doctor, who has returned from the scene of the bushranging exploit, reports that Constable Bowen, who shot two of the gang, is paralysed in both arms. The bullet in his neck is not extracted, and he is lying in a critical condition. The third prisoner shot is recovering. Sworn troopers from all parts have arrived on the scene, together with armed volunteers. The inquest will be held tomorrow at Gundagai.
Constable Bowen is rapidly sinking, and is considered past recovery. It is now posi lively established that "Captain Moonlite" headed the gang. The names of the others are unknown. The sixth and last man was caught by Sergeant Carroll's party. It has transpired that he never bolted, but took refuge under the bed in the hut where the gang attempted to shelter, and remained in a quiet position since last night till 12 to day. He was discovered by a woman, who gave information to the police.
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