The Capture of Mad Dog Morgan

[Heather]

Thought the bit about Morgan passing through Kilmore was interesting but had to include the piece before for it all to make sense. Can't imagine anything like this today.

Kilmore Free Press Thursday 13 April 1865
MORGAN THE BUSHRANGER

Considerable excitement mixed with some degree of incredibility, prevailed in Melbourne at an early hour on Monday morning owing to the report that the notorious New South Wales bushranger, Daniel Morgan, who it was known had for the last two or three days been on Victorian territory, had been mortally wounded, captured and sent on to Wangaratta under escort. Although there was a strong deposition to believe the rumor (sic), there was evidently a general fear that it might yet prove unfounded; but as the day advanced, and the report was confirmed, and supplemented by more circumstantial narratives, a universal feeling of satisfaction was produced by the assurance that the career of the most daring, reckless, and unscrupulous of the Australian bandittry had been brought to a close.

Our readers of course, have been aware during the last day or two that the New South Wales outlaw had put in force a threat often attributed to him, by making a raid on Victorian territory. On Saturday we printed a telegram received from Wangaratta, dated the 7th inst., giving an account of the sticking up of the station of Mr. Evans, at Whitfield, on the preceding evening. The known fact that the redoubtable Morgan, infamous by his many murders, was in the neighbourhood seemed to have produced, as well it might very great excitement throughout the locality.

In the expectation of some such a contingency, our Victorian police authorities had made all provision within their power for the suppression of any such invasion at the outset, by placing an extra number of men, who were at the same time picked members of the force, at the police stations of the locality where such an inroad was most to be apprehended. The arrangements which had been thus made were confidentially relied upon as adequate to any emergency, and in tracing on the map the progress of the outlaw whose depredation had caused such an alarm within the last day or two in the Wangaratta district, the opinion was expressed in town on Sunday night by some of the heads of the police force that Morgan would find it impossible to break through the cordon around him, and to repass the border. There were, it was said, but two or three places where it would be possible to cross; and they would be so well beset as to render escape almost impossible. But as circumstances have transpired the ruffian’s course has ended before he even reached the limits of the circle which was forming around him.

On Saturday, he visited Warby’s station, four miles from Glenrowan, and was there when the coach passed at nine o’clock on Saturday morning. There, it appears, he endeavoured to obtain a horse, but was unable to find one to suit him. As soon as the news of his whereabouts reached Benalla, troopers started for the spot, and as they proceeded their numbers were swelled by volunteers, bearing arms of all descriptions, who mustered as the police force passed through the country. This chase, however, was a futile one as the object of it had in the meantime shifted his locality. At about dark on Saturday evening, Morgan reached the house of Mr. McPherson, at the Peechelba Station, situated near the junction of the Ovens and Murray Rivers, and about twenty miles from Wangaratta. He immediately “bailed up” all whom he found on the station, and confined them in a room in the house. There were, however, several on the station whom he did not see, and one of these started for Wangaratta with the intelligence. Three policemen and a dozen of volunteers at once mustered and started for the station. At the same time, a nearer and powerful body of foes had gathered in immediate vicinity of the bushranger. Some other servants, who had escaped the bailing-up process, were mustered by Mr. Rutherford partner of Mr. McPherson, at the house occupied by him, about 400 yards from that which Morgan had taken possession of. The force from Wangaratta were conducted to this place; and combined with the party of Mr. Rutherford, making in all about eight and twenty men.

Morgan, during this interval, was proceeding in the most free and easy manner, taking tea with his captives, and chatting to Mr.McPherson upon the difficulties and hardships which an unfortunate bushranger has to undergo. He also prevailed on the mistress of the house to play on the piano. And so the night passed away, the bushranger taking an occasional doze, but always, as he told his prisoners, keeping one eye open. In the morning, after reconnoitering the front, he prepared for a start. The force of police and volunteers had by this time been carefully posted in ambush round the place, so as to completely cut off every avenue of escape. Morgan left the house, after having duly breakfasted, Mr. McPherson and three others of the captives going with him to the paddock to get a horse. On his way, he approached the ambush of John Quinlan, a man employed on the station, who watched his opportunity, jumped from behind the tree; where he was concealed, and fired at the bushranger, and shot him through the back. He dropped instantly, but gathered strength sufficient to say, “You might have given a fellow a chance, and not acted as cowards.” When searched 90 in notes were found on him, together with two revolvers. Medical assistance was procured, the wound was dressed, but Morgan died at two o’clock in the afternoon, five hours after the wound was received.

One of the revolvers was recognized as that which was taken from Sergeant McGinnerty when he was shot.

WANGARATTA, TUESDAY
An inquest was held on Morgan’s remains at the Peechelba station, yesterday evening,. It lasted for four hours and a half, having been commenced at five p.m., and finished at half past nine p.m. He was indentified by a crowd of witnesses from New South Walesside as well as by some Victorians who knew him.

Between 200 and 300 persons had assembled from a circuit of 100 miles round the scene, so great was the excitement his death caused.

The jury returned a verdict of justifiable homicide, and added a rider, giving great praise to every one concerned in the capture. Morgan’s body was brought into town today. It is much wasted, and shows signs of his having suffered great hardships. On its arrival, the body was placed in the police lock-up, and the public is allowed admission to view it, and crowds from all parts have availed themselves of the opportunity.

The expression of the face is not pleasing, though the features taken separately, are not bad, except the forehead, which recedes, but is not very much below the average. The eyes are now deep set, but, in life, must have been very sharp and penetrating. The nose is somewhat crooked and promininet; the lips think and cruel looking. His hands are remarkably long and slender. A cast of the head has been taken; and he will be buried this evening.

Kilmore Free Press Thurs 20 April 1865.
MORGAN THE BUSHRANGER’S HEAD
The head of this notorious ruffian was conveyed through Kilmore on Friday last, in a box addressed to Professor Halford, of the Melbourne University. The head made its presence known as a passenger – by the conveyance to the other passengers – by its smell, which is said to have been somewhat demon… But this is mere badinage. What we want to enquire is what Professor Halford can possibly have to do or find out by an examination of this head?

[manfredvijars]

... sorry Heather, just noticed it. GREAT story, thanks for posting it ... Thinking maybe we should have a 'Historical' section ... what do you think??

[Heather]

I love the way articles were written "back then". The language is gorgeous. I have to watch it because sometimes I read so much of it I start to write like it too!

Aaa Manfred, that would be in addition to the horse section, the dog section, the "I'm having a bad day" section, would it?

Can of worms.....

Heather

[Heather]

AND JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE CALLING HYSTERICAL YOUNG MAN - JUST YOU WAIT UNTIL I SEE YOU YOU CHEEKY GOOD FOR NOTHING........STEAM, STEAM LOTS OF STEAM....
just you wait until Laggan, ha, we'll see who is hysterial then - HA! Shall I go on?


Maureeeeeen!!!!!

[Heather]

And the who drank the most rum section and whose football teams sucks more than that other football team and who has the biggest horse and who has the smallest horse....

And this is my post and I give permission for it to go wherever it is taken.

So there.....

[Bob Pacey]

Never heard it called a horse before.

Was that a dig at me about the rum .
I'll have you know that I do not drink much anymore, or any less it seems.

Anyless is a new brand of beer.

Heather May

Just did half of my mammogram poem for the ladies at the park and they will have to come to the dinner next Wednesday night to hear the rest, Always leave them wanting more. I'm not shaveing my moe off so I'll have to be an Italian Mumma.

Robert

[Heather]

Knew you wouldn't be able to resist Bobbo!

NOPE! Wrong again. We should have a bet going on this one. For every name wrong you owe me a $10.. Reckon I'm up to about $50 up by now. And when you get it right I pay you $10.

Heather

Planning my next holiday......

[Bob Pacey]

immmmmmm got to think on that ? is it worth the money and you just can not start that from way back when It can only start from now and any money must go to The Look Good Feel Good for Breast cancer research.


Capped at Fifty Dollars tax deductable !

But just remember Goggle is my friend and I'm a pretty good investigator. You are a member of blaze aid are you not.


Bob

[Heather]

WRONG again! Nothing to do with Blazeaid! Different Saint!

Capped at $50. So you are giving up now are you? I don't think even Googgleee is going to help you with this one.

[Bob Pacey]

No that was starting at NOW you just cannot change the rules to suit.


I will get it I promise you. I have enough contacts and a lot of people are open to bribes.


Bob