The Argus at KellyGang 5/3/1879 (2)
Bushranging
The first account of an encounter with bushrangers which arrests our attention in the ancient collection aforesaid is headed "The Bushrangers at Bathurst ." In selecting the scene of their operations these gentle creatures may have had an eye to the alliteration which occurs in this title. The narrative however, gives us no clue as to whether the selection of Bathurst was due to a per verted literary taste, or whether it was merely the result of chance. The narrative is in the form of a letter dated "Bruce Dale, October 7,1830," from Mr G Suttor, to his son, Mr E B Suttor, of Baulkham Hills." A rising amongst the convicts appears to have taken place, but "the object of the men who have thus disturbed the country" was a complete my story to our correspondent. The outbreak appears to have given great alarm. "It was the most sudden thing that ever happened, says Mr Suttor to his son "and they are the most formidable, desperate set of ruffians that ever infested the country."
At one time the band numbered 134 men some of whom were said to be pressed but there were rumours about that a general rising might be expected. The ruffians appear to have been utterly reckless, and well supplied with ammunition, arms, and horses. It may be thought that the imminence of the danger struck terror in the hearts of the Bathurst people, that they immediately began to talk in whispers to know nothing to shun the police like a pestilence and to be extra civil to those who might possibly be in league with the desperadoes. But, ap parently, the men of Bathurst in those days did not know what personal fear or criminal sympathy was. Instead of attempting to make themselves safe they set to work at once to restore peace and order to the district. On Monday, the 27th September 1830 a meeting of the magistrates and inhabitants was held in the court to concert measures, whereat it was resolved to form as many as chose to volunteer " into a corps of well armed cavalry." Twelve men at once came forward for enrolment but some of them subsequently withdrew, sending substitutes, in some cases mounted, to take their place. No time was lost. A leader was chosen in the person of Mr W H Suttor, and at 5 o'clock in the afternoon the party was ready to start. Just then the news of another robbery [at Arkells] arrived, which appears to have fired the indignation of this "corps of well armed cavalry," for we read that "the volunteers pushed on at a smart pace, and a little before day next morn- reached Arkells house on the Campbell River," where they fortified the inner man, and again went forward. Fortunately, Mr Sutter met two natives whom he knew and whom he persuaded to accompany him as guides.
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