The Argus at KellyGang 21/11/1879
THE BUSHRANGERS
[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH]
Captain Moonlite
Our special reporter telegraphed from Gundagai yesterday the following additional particulars of the bushranging outrage at Wantabadgery -
Mr WEIR'S NARRATIVE
Mr David Weir the postmaster and store keeper at Clarendon gives a very connected and interesting account of the bushranging outbreak and his narrative is worth giving. He states: -At about 1 o'clock on Saturday I called at Wantabadgery station on business, slung up my horse at the fence, and walked towards the house. When I reached the door I heard a noise and looking up I saw that a man had me covered with a gun. From the excited appearance of the man, I said to myself, "Here is a madman at large," and at once bolted round the house. On getting near the kitchen another man sprang up and confronted me with a revolver. Placing the muzzle of the weapon at my ear, he sang out, "Bail up." A third man appeared on the other side, and he also pointed a revolver at my head. Of course I was then obliged to submit, and they marched me into the dining room. Here I saw the one who calls himself Captain Moonlite. Addressing himself to me, and evidently mistaking me for the overseer, he inquired about what kind of cartridge suited certain firearms. I professed ignorance on the subject. He persisted with his question, and placing a revolver at my head said that if I told him a he he would blow my brains out. I protested that I knew nothing of the subject, and explained that I had just come from Clarendon. We then recognised each other. A few days previous Moonlite and Nesbitt called at my store and asked for 8lb of flour and for work. Taking them for necessitous shearers I gave them 11lb, and only charged for 8lb, and they went quietly away after paying my bill.
Moonlite now told me that had it not been for my generosity in giving them 3lb for nothing they would have stuck up and robbed my place Nesbitt, he said, pointed out to him that they could not honourably rob my place after I had been so kind and civil to them. Moonlite said I need not be frightened, and they then treated me with much respect. They bailed up several other persons, and between 6 and 7 o'clock brought in the overseer, Mr Baynes. Moonlite accused Baynes of treating Nesbitt and himself unkindly some days before, when they called asking for work. He said, You turned me out, and would not allow me to stop in an empty hut. I and my mates had therefore to sleep over a cold and rainy night in the ranges. You told us to come back for work, and we did so at the time appointed, but you again ordered us away, as if we were dogs. Now, however I am master here, and you will have to do as I direct." He also abused the overseer in strong language. Baynes replied, "Take what you want and go away." Moonlite then flew into a great passion, and challenged him to fight, offering him a choice of weapons bowie knives, revolvers, or rifles.
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