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P98
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Ned Kelly was removed to the jail hospital in
Melbourne. Mr.
Call P.M. attended at the Melbourne jail to remand Kelly to Beechworth. When I
saw Kelly he smiled and, without speaking, apparently welcomed me as an old
acquaintance, he was quiet and respectful in his manner and offered no objection
to the remand being told in answer to a question that the proceedings were not
in the nature of a trial. I had
merely to identify him. That
evening I received instructions from Sergt. Porter who was in charge of the
Depot, to be in readiness to go to Beechworth the following morning at an early
hour. Next morning, Sunday, learning that I was to form one of Kelly's escort, I
told Sergt. Porter that considering my evidence would likely prove fatal to
Kelly I regretted having to travel with him. The Sergt. told me that I must not
let my sensitivities interfere with my duty. Sergt. Steele had charge of the
escort, which comprised troopers Bracken, Faulkiner and myself. We drove in a cab to the Melbourne jail and so secret had our departure been kept that apparently none of the public knew Kelly was to be removed. We reached the jail at 8.30 a.m., driving right in we were not long there until Kelly was brought out by some warders and Mr. Castieu the Governor of the jail. The prisoner had improved with his residence in the jail, but he was lame and used crutches. When he saw us he said “I suppose you fellows are going to hang me, here is McIntyre and I know he is going to do it." Making no reply to this his next remark, "This is better than a wombat hole, eh, McIntyre." Caused me to smile with that feeble smile which any allusion to that animal produces, and I almost ………..: "Et tu, Brute." Here were our unpleasant positions brought out at the first remarks that he made. Mr. Castieu, the governor, said to him. "Now Kelly your best game is to be quiet. Kelly replied "---- it ain't I always quiet?" So far as |
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