Ben Hall, Johnny Gilbert and 1864-65

On Saturday, the 6th May, at about 4 o’clock in the morning, a body of police, under the direction of sub inspector James Henry Davidson, arrived in Forbes with the corpse of Ben Hall, the bushranger. He had been killed the night before near the north Billibong, about twelve miles from Forbes, and the body was pierced with eight or nine bullets. Either one of four of the wounds must have proved fatal.

It is said that the spot where he was killed is not far from Mr Pierce Strickland’s station. It is also said that Hall had been in and about the town of Forbes two or three days previous to being shot. Gilbert and Dunn were not with him and it is rumoured that they were off after some horses, while Hall visited Forbes and neighbourhood, and that it was while Hall was on his way to join Gilbert and Dunn that he was killed. From 10 o’clock in the morning of Friday, the room where the body lay was filled with persons curious to have a look at the corpse of the man who has contributed so much to bring New South Wales into disrepute by his wanton outrages. I suppose that four or five hundred persons visited the barracks, and I saw several females among the crowd. After the enquiry several parties availed themselves of an opportunity to get a lock of the bushranger’s hair. His body was lying upon a stretcher in the south east corner room of the building appropriated to the foot police. There was nothing forbidding in the countenance of Ben Hall, as he lay there still in death. In fact, I heard the remark made several times, during the moment I was in the room, “What a handsome face.” He appeared to be a young man about twenty-eight, finely made, excellent features, lofty forehead, and fine brown hair. His whiskers and moustache were cut quite close and of a much lighter colour than the hair on his head. I heard many make the remark, “ I have often seen that face somewhere, but cannot tell where.“ I have myself seen the face, but have no idea when or where. The most remarkable feature in the countenance was a peculiar curl in the right side of the upper lip, indicating ordinarily a feeling of contemptuous scorn, produced by the action of the mind upon the muscles. In this case I am told that it is a constitutional feature, and may therefore indicate nothing. Ben Hall’s career is too well known to require notice, and the opinion is now almost universally entertained in Forbes that the Lachlan district will soon be rid of the bushranging desperadoes.

The magisterial enquiry was held at noon, in the large dining hall of the police barracks, before Mr William Farrand, P. M. It was filled by the most respectable gentle-men in Forbes. All appeared to feel a lively interest in the proceedings.

James Henry Davidson, sworn: I am a sub inspector of police, stationed at Forbes, I started from Forbes on Saturday, the 29th April, in pursuit of the bushrangers, Hall, Gilbert, and Dunn; my party consisted of my self, sergeant Condell, four constables, and two black trackers. On Thursday evening, the 4th of May, at about 10 o’clock, we came upon two horses hobbled in the scrub, near the Little Billibong on the Currajong side, and about twelve miles from Forbes. We were watching the horses about half an hour when a man came out and caught them, he passed very close to where we were standing, and led the horses about one hundred yards; I did not recognise him as Ben Hall at that time; he then hobbled the horses again, and returned to a thick scrub; Billy Dargan, the tracker, said he thought he heard some one scratching in the scrub, as though preparing a place to sleep; I placed five men where we were standing , and myself, sergeant Condell, and Billy Dargan, went below with the intention of attacking him in his camp; at this time we only thought it to be Ben Hall. We could not get within one hundred yards of his sleeping place, on account of the snorting of the horses; we waited there until morning; at about half past 6am I saw a man at a distance of about one hundred and fifty yards, with a bridle in his hand, walking towards the horses; when he got about half way between the scrub and the horses – myself, sergeant Condell, and Bill Dargan, started to run towards him; he was not aware of our presence until we ran about fifty yards; we now knew it to be Hall; upon seeing us he ran towards the scrub and in the direction of where the four constables and Charley the trucker were stationed; I then called several times, and ordered him to stand. To the Police Magistrate:
At this time I was not aware that he had been outlawed, having left Forbes before that occurrence, after running about one hundred yards I was within about forty yards of him when I levelled a double-barrelled gun and fired one shot; I believe I hit him, for he halted and looked back, sergeant Condell and Billy then fired; I think they both hit him; we fired pretty close together; Condell and Billy were running a little in my rear, about fifteen yards to my left; Hall ran about sixty yards to a few saplings, and caught hold of one; I think he was then mortally wounded; the four constables and tracker then came across; I think Hall saw them coming, for he changed his course; they fired; I was then within thirty yards, when Hipkiss fired his revolving rifle; I noticed Hall s revolver belt fall to the ground; Hall, still holding to the sapling, gradually fell back; altogether, thirty shots were fired; several were fired after Hipkiss fired; I fancy he was shot in the head after that; he spoke afterwards; he said, “I’m wounded, shoot me dead.” I then went up and noticed that the bullet shot by Hipkiss had passed through his side; he died almost immediately; I searched him and found seventy four pounds in notes, in two chamois leather bugs, one in his breast coat, and the other in his trousers pocket; three gold chains and a gold watch; a portrait of a woman, three revolvers, some bullets, and articles of wearing apparel; his poncho and blankets were with his saddle; there was a gold keeper on his finger; I knew Hall personally; his clothes were perforated with bullets, through and through. We then caught his two horses and packed his body upon the saddle, and in this manner took it to our camping ground, and from thence into Forbes.

James Condell, sworn: I am a sergeant of police stationed at Forbes; on Saturday, the 29th of April, in company with sub-inspector Davidson, four constables, and two black trackers, I started from Forbes in pursuit of the bushrangers, Hall, Gilbert, and Dunn; on the Tuesday night following I observed two horses hobbled, and watched them about half an hour, when we saw a man emerging from the scrub and walking towards where the horses were feeding;, he took the hobbles off and led them about one hundred and fifty yards, and then hobbled them again, and let them go; we heard him walk away through the bush into a low scrub; Billy Dargan said after- wards that he heard him scratching among the leaves as though making a place to sleep; sub inspector Davidson and myself posted five men in a half circle where we then were, and then passed to the opposite side; we crept through the bush for some time in search of his sleeping place, but were unable to find it; we then resolved to wait until morning and watch the horses in the meantime; at about 6 o’clock in the morning I saw a man emerge from the scrub and walk towards the two horses ; when he had got about mid way between his camp and the horses we started in pursuit; we ran about fifty yards before he observed us; he then looked up, and seeing us, ran; inspector Davidson called upon him to stand – he looked round but kept on running; inspector Davidson then fired upon him; I saw Hall jump, but he kept on running; I then covered him fully in the back with my rifle and fired; I then saw it was Ben Hall; I believe my first shot took effect between his shoulders; he kept running, but appeared weak; Billy then fired with a double barrelled gun, and I think he hit him too; we then called to the men on the opposite side and they came up; when Hall saw the men emerge from the scrub he turned and ran in another direction; the men then all fired; I believe every one hit him; Hall ran to a cluster of timber and laid hold of a sapling, and said, “I’m wounded, I’m dying”. The men then fired again, and he rolled over; he made two or three convulsive movements with his feet and said, “I’m dying, I’m dying.” We all approached to the spot, and he was dead; his death was almost instantaneous; inspector Davidson then searched and found upon him £74 in notes , gold watch and three gold chains , a gold keeper on his finger, three revolvers, capped and loaded, a bag of bullets, three boxes caps, flask of powder and wearing apparel; where he was camped we found a saddle, poncho, and two single blankets; we then packed his body on a saddle and took it to our camp, and afterwards brought it into Forbes; I have known Hall four years; about three years ago I conveyed him as a prisoner to Orange, and saw him frequently afterwards; I identify the body of the deceased as that of Ben Hall.
William Jones, sworn: I am a storekeeper and reside in Forbes; I have seen the body of deceased now lying in the adjoining room, and identify it as that of Ben Hall. I have known him seventeen years, and have seen him frequently during that period, except the last three years; I have not the slightest doubt about its being the body of Ben Hall.
John Newell, sworn: I am a publican residing in Forbes; I have known Ben Hall nine y ears, and have seen him frequently until the last two and a-half years; the body now lying in the adjoining room is that of Ben Hall.
Charles Ashenheim, sworn: I am a qualified medical man; I have examined the body of the deceased, and find it perforated by several bullets; the shot between the shoulders, the two shots through the brain, and the one through the body were severally sufficient to cause death.

(SMH 13th May 1965)

YASS. TROOPER Bright of the Binalong police arrived in Yass this evening, and states that senior constable Hales and three troopers, from information they received, proceeded from Binalong in the direction of one Kelly’s, a settler, about one mile from Binalong, near Mr. Edgar Beckham’s station, near which place they encountered Gilbert and Dunn.

After a severe encounter and exchanges of shots, Gilbert was shot dead and Dunn escaped on foot. Constable King was wounded in the ankle. Gilbert’s body is now lying in the Binalong lockup. Dr. Campbell has gone to attend the wounded trooper. No further particulars are yet to hand. Binalong is about twenty-five miles from Yass.

THE DEATH OF GILBERT.
FURTHER PARTICULARS.

Yass, Monday evening: ON Thursday night a horse was stolen out of a paddock at Murrumburrah, of which no particulars could be ascertained till about 11 o’clock on Friday morning, when a gentleman named Furlonge, who was travelling with sheep, stated that he had been visited by Gilbert and Dunn, who rounded up his horses and took a favourite animal, leaving in its stead the one taken from Murrumburrah.

On Friday night the bushrangers camped at Rieley’s Hill, two miles from Binalong, some one having seen them there apparently fast asleep. When the police received their information they went to a farmer’s hut, in which a man named Kelly resided, who is the grandfather of Dunn. The police watched all night, but they saw no indication of the bushrangers, and left in the morning, being hopeless of success; fresh news, however, reached them between 8 and 9 o’clock on Saturday morning, which induced a fresh start to Kelly’s.

When the party arrived there they watched for about an hour, when Kelly came out of the hut and walked up and down, in front of the door, and afterwards his wife came out. A little while after Kelly’s youngest son, Thomas, made his appearance and was beckoned by constable Hales, who inquired whether there was any one besides his parents in the hut, to which the boy replied, that no strangers had been in the house during the night. Hales, however, proceeded to the house, and burst open the door, when he was saluted by a volley from the two bushrangers. The fire was returned, and the police withdrew for a short distance, when almost immediately after Gilbert and Dunn were observed running through a paddock adjoining the hut. Constable Bright started in pursuit, and was followed by the three other troopers. Several shots were then exchanged on both sides, when the bushrangers again retreated, and Hales and Bright fired together, and Gilbert fell.

The pursuit after Dunn was continued, but although, several shots were fired at him none took effect; and he has since been heard of at Bogolong, ten miles from Binalong, having stuck up Mr. Jullien’s station yesterday from whence he took a horse, saddle, and bridle.

THE INQUEST. The inquest on Gilbert’s body was held yesterday, before Mr. D. Campbell, coroner for Burrowa, and a jury of twelve, at the Court-house at Binalong.

The evidence of constables Hales, Bright, and King was taken as to the shooting of Gilbert; the body was identified by Messrs. Hewitt and Barnes and constable Bright—the latter knew him for five years, and Hewitt knew him when a store-keeper at the Wombat. Barnes, who was stuck-up by Hall and Gilbert, and kept two days in camp, had a good knowledge of Gilbert, and was able immediately to identify him.
Dr. Campbell, from Yass, made a post mortem examination of the body, and found that a single bullet had entered the left part of the back, gone through the centre of the heart, and passed out through the left side, fracturing one rib. Dr. Campbell stated that death must have been immediate. After Gilbert was shot, constable King received a bullet in the ankle from Dunn’s revolver. The revolver-rifle taken from Mr. Davis has been recovered. Gilbert had possession of it, and he made several attempts to use it, but the rifle missed fire three times; three chambers were loaded, and one had been discharged.
The following is the verdict: -”
That the said John Gilbert came to his death by a gunshot wound inflicted on Saturday, 13th May, 1865, near Binalong, in the said colony, by one of the constables in the police force of New South Wales, in the execution of their duty; and that they were justified in inflicting said wound which caused his death. The jury desire further to express their approval of the conduct of the constables, and in their opinion they are deserving of great credit for the gallant manner in which they effected the capture of Gilbert.”

THE particulars given in your telegram of Monday last afford a brief but truthful narrative of the closing scene in the life of a desperado whose crimes have kept the far Western interior, during the past two years, in a state of constant alarm, and diffused a sense of insecurity both as regards life and property over thousands of square miles of British territory.

Associated with the most reckless and daring of the class of freebooters who from the early days of the colony have taken the name of bushrangers, Ben Hall has probably committed a larger number of depredations and despoiled her Majesty’s liege subjects of a larger amount of property than any robber who ever trod Australian soil. The first lessons in his infamous vocation were taken from his quondam ally and tutor Frank Gardiner, under whose leadership several of the more adventurous of his villainous exploits were committed. For instance, it is well known that he was one of the gang who were engaged in the murderous attack upon the Gold Escort at Eugowra Creek, although he escaped the punishment due to his offence.

But this was by no means the starting point in his criminal career. Under his chieftain’s tutelage he had for some time previously been transacting business on the road between Forbes and Lambing Flat. He had also escaped conviction at the instance of an Orange jury for dray robbery, very much to the astonishment of everybody who happened to be acquainted with the merits of the case. His latter day exploits are too well known to require recapitulation. The part, however, which he look in the attack upon Mr. Campbell’s homestead at Goimbla is another instance added to the one afforded by the Escort robbery of the recklessness of his disposition and his dis- regard of human life. That the dead bushranger was not so bloodthirsty as his two companions in guilt, Gilbert and Dunn, is perfectly true, and there are good grounds for believing that he has, on more than one occasion, prevented the effusion of blood when but for his intervention blood would have been shed. But the difference was simply a difference of degree. His trade was a trade of violence and plunder, and involved jeopardy to human life wherever it was exercised. To repeat all that has a thousand times been said in his favour would merely amount to this – that he was not so bad as he might have been, and the same might be asserted of the monster Lynch.

His forbearance, such as it was doubtless secured to him and his gang a lengthened impunity. Had he shot down people whenever opportunity offered itself, the public, out of a sense of self-protection, would have risen as one man, and speedily put an end to his career.

Of the manner of Hall’s death it is not necessary to say much, as the particulars have already obtained wide publicity. For some days previous a growing conviction appeared to be gaining ground that something would shortly happen to capture, destroy, or disperse the gang of which he was the leader. The district swarmed with police and parties of volunteers, and the only chance of safety to the freebooters lay in being constantly in motion. The supply of horses began to fail them, and the perpetual vigilance which such a state of things necessitated, together with the toil of long journeys, irregular living, and exposure was beginning to wear them out.

Having obtained a re-mount from Gumbidgewa, in the shape of Mr. Ernest Bowler’s racer Tomboy, Hall made his way to the Billibong Creek, and having hobbled out his horses, betook himself to a thick scrub, where he hollowed out a bed amongst the dry leaves and betook himself to sleep. This was about 10 o’clock p.m. and as Mr Sub-Inspector Davidson, who had tracked him to his camp was not satisfied as to his identity, owing to the darkness of the night, although sufficiently near him on one occasion to have seized him, he finally decided to defer any action until dawn of day. Once after the bush-ranger had gone to sleep, himself, sergeant Condell, and the black trackers crawled on their bellies, and approached the spot where he lay.

The crackling of the leaves awoke him and he sprang up. Just at the moment an opossum leaped from a tree close by, and the incident appeared to allay any suspicion he might have had as to the cause of the noise. In a brief space of time he was again asleep, little dreaming of his impending fate, The force at Mr Davidson’s command was so disposed as to render escape almost impossible. Hall’s two horses were headed into an open piece of ground bordering upon the scrub so as to afford a good opportunity to the police to operate when he approached them. Without coats, hats, and boots, the men waited and watched through a cold, frosty night, half-frozen and miserable, until day dawned.

Awoke from his lair, Hall sallied forth, bridle in hand, in quest of his horses, and was about 150 yards a-head when Mr Davidson, sergeant Condell, and the black tracker started in pursuit. Being in their stockings, they approached him noiselessly, until they were within forty or fifty yards of him, when, looking round he for the first time became aware of their presence, and at once took to his heels. Encumbered, however, with heavy boots, his pursuers gained upon him, and Mr Davidson repeatedly called upon him to stand, but to no purpose.

The next moment a bullet was sent after him from Mr Davidson’s gun, which took effect in the back. Here his pace slackened, and he was observed convulsively clutching at his revolvers, but his arms appeared to have lost their office. Sergeant Condell next fired, and planted two balls between the shoulder-blades. A shout brought forward the four men who were placed in the bush in his front, and, a volley from their pieces rolled over the once terrible and much dreaded Ben Hall, dead upon the plain. Desirous of keeping the affair quiet, so that the report of his death might not scare away his mates, who, for the time being, were separated from him, the police did not remove the body until after nightfall, when it was fastened to a saddle, and reached the police barracks by about 3 o clock in the morning.

Early next day the secret leaked out, and in the forenoon a stream of townspeople was observed making across the lagoon towards Barrack Hill to look upon the remains of the dead bushranger. There they lay ghastly and bullet torn, a fearful monument of the vengeance which offended justice was called to wreak upon one of the direst scourges from which colonial society ever suffered. The brain was penetrated at two points through the forehead, the left arm lacerated with slugs or large shot, and the body perforated in sundry places by bullets and rifle balls. In short, the body was literally riddled, and its appearance presented a tremendous commentary upon the reckless, lawless career of a criminal hero, and the fate to which the exigencies of the times had consigned him.

The magisterial inquiry held upon it elicited evidence sufficient to show that every precaution had been taken with regard to Hall’s identity, and that the observances of the law, even as it existed previous to the passing of the Felons’ Apprehension Bill, had been respected. Of the funeral which took place on the following day little needs to be said beyond the fact that it was rather numerously attended – that there was no lack of mourners, or of the manifestation of grief. Prayers were also read by a layman over the departed bushranger. Hall’s antecedents are matters of notoriety on the Lachlan River, where his father first made his appearance about twenty five years ago, when the subject of this notice was about three years old, and entered the service of Mr Rankin.

In process of time, as the boy progressed towards man’s estate, he became a stockman, and was for several years in the service of Mr Hamilton, at the Tomanbil. He was next known as a squatter, and held a run near the Pinnacle station, about fifteen miles from Forbes. Afterwards he married, and was unfortunate in his marriage, and it is by many of his old acquaintances believed that this circumstance had much to do with the recklessness of his after life. At all events, the predisposition to an abandoned and criminal course in which appears to have manifested itself after losing his wife, became fully developed and ripened into downright criminality, after he had made the acquaintance of Gardiner.

From that period to the hour of his death he waged continuous war against society, and by his exploits became a very curse to the community in which he dwelt. Naturally well-dis posed, and it is even said kind-hearted, in his early days, he became a favourite with the young stockmen generally, upon the river , and there can be little doubt that his long impunity and consequent success as a marauder are in some measure ascribable to these features in his character. His consideration for females in the course of his numerous depredations also earned for him a spurious popularity. Owing to the causes now stated – causes which, under any other circumstances, would have operated in his favour – he was by far the most formidable member of his gang – the very key-stone of the arch of villainy, which his personal characteristics had so long, and so unfortunately for the well being of the Western districts, held together. The sympathy and succour, however, which had been extended to him will hardly be shared by the doubly dyed murderers who were his comrades in crime.

Gilbert and Dunn, apart from their vices and villainies, have nothing, it is said, personal to recommend them – no redeeming spots in their characters. In all probability therefore, should they escape the speedy vengeance of the law, they will endeavour to sneak away to some other portion of this or the neighbouring colonies. In any event, every honest man must rejoice that these districts are ridded of the presence of a ruffian whose better nature had been poisoned by untoward circumstances and a vicious education, and whose worst passions and predilections, owing to the same causes, had received a most terrible development. The grave has at length closed in upon him, and it would be well that the story of his misdeeds could at once for and ever be blotted out of human recollection.
(SMH 20 May 1865)

29 May 1865

OFFENCES OF HALL AND GILBERT. From a statement prepared in the office of the Inspector General of Police we have obtained the following list of highway robberies under arms and other offences committed by the late bushrangers Hall and Gilbert, in company with others-commencing with the memorable Escort robbery, in June, 1862, and brought down to within a few weeks of their being shot. HALL, GILBERT, AND OTHERS. 1862. Juno 15.-Attacked the Gold Escort, at Eugowra Creek, carried off a large amount of gold, and wounded one of the police. 1863. August 24.-Robbed four storekeepers of a watch, money, and other property, on the Hurricane Gully Road.

August 29.-Robbed Mr. Edmonds’ house, at Demondrille September 24.-Robbed Mr. Hosie’s store at Caloola. October 21.-Attacked Mr. Keightley’s house, near Rockley ;-on which occasion Burke was shot.

November 19th.-Attacked Mr. Campbell’s premises, at Goimbla ; one of the party firing a shot which wounded Mr. William Campbell. On this occasion O’Meally was shot. December ?.-Robbed the mail from Burrowa to Binalong. December 9.-Robbed the mail from Binalong to Yass; also, stole two horses belonging to Mr. Garry, of Mylora. December 10-Stole a horse belonging to Mr. R. Salmon. v 1864.

October 29.-Robbed the mail from Albury to Yass ; robbed a store at Jugiong of a quantity of goods ; also, stole two horses. October 27.-Robbed Mr. M’Cansh’s station, at Bagan Bagan, of jewellery; robbed a Chinaman of money and a gold watch. November 8.-Stole from RossirUlo, near Goulburn, jewellery, three horses, and some saddlery. – -November 9.-Robbed the Sydney mail-six miles from Goulburn. November li.-Robbed the mail from Yass to Goulburn. November Iii.-Robbed the mail from Gundagai to Yass, firing on the police and killing Sergeant Parry.

November 19.-Stolen three horses from the Bolero station. December 10 -Stole some property from Mr. M’Laughlin, of Young. December 27.-Robbed and burned Mr. Morriss’ stores, at Bindn. December 30.-Robbed Mc Davidson’s house, at Murrumburrah Plains. Yass. January 19.-Robbod a store at Wheogo. January 27.-Robbed a public-house near Collector; when constable Nelson was mortally wounded by Dunn.

January 24.-Robbed John Ross, on the Yass Road. February 6.-Robbed the Braidwood mail, twelve milos from Goulburn, February l8.-Stole three horses at Molonglo. February 23.-Had an encounter with the Goulburn police at Mutbilly, when constable Wiles was wounded. March 4.-Robbed the Goulburn and Gundaroo mail, in Geary’s Gap. March 13.-Robbod the Araluen Escort, when two constables were wounded; stole two horses at Jinglemoney. HALL. AND OTHERS

February 7.-Stole from the Pinnacle Police Station a rifle, carbine, ammunition, pair of saddle-bags, and a bridle February 28.-Robbed Mr. Gieen’s house, Lambing Flat Road, of a quantity of spirits. June 28.-Robbed the coach passengers of some cash, at Cronker’s lnn, on the Lambing Flat Road. 1864. April 1.-Robbed Mr. Chisholm’s house of a gold watch and other property. April 11. – Robbed Messrs. Scarr, between Burrowa and Murringo, of two horses, with saddles and bridles; also robbed a public-house at Back Crook. May 5.-Robbod three drays at Marino Creek. May 23 -Robbed a Chinaman, at a station near Burrowa. May 25.-Robbed two men, near Cadge’s Creek. May 28.-Robbed two carriers, at Emu Flat, near Binalong. May 29.-Stole a horse from Mi. J. Ryan, of Corrigan. June 13.-Robbed Mr. D. C. Clement’s house, near Billibong, of firearms and other property.

Juno 22.-Robbed Mr. Pearce’s Store, at Canowindra, and burnt his account books. July 13.-Robbed Mr. J. Grant’s station, at Belubula River, and stole a horse. August l8.-Stole three horses, three saddles, and bridle, the property’ of Mr. W. Gibson, of Wheogo ; also fired upon four police constables. Gilbert, Hall, Vane and others:. 18G3. February 2.-Robbed a store at Spring Creek, and stole a saddle and bridle. March 14.-Robbed a store at Fisher’s Creek of n saddle, bridle, and silver articles. May 16.-Robbed Mr. Barnes’ store at Cootamundry, and attempted to fire the place. May 19.-Stole a racehorse at Burrowa. June 1.-Robbed a store at Spring Creek. June 7.-Robbed a store at ‘Possum Flat. Juno Í6.-Stolo two racehorses at Currawang. Juno 29.-Robbed several people on the Forbes Road, July 3.-Robbed a man of his watch and chain on the Lambing Fiat Road.

July 13.-Robbed a man of £7 in silver, near Burrowa. July 30.-Robbed a store at Caloola of money and goods of the value of £300. August 19.-Stole two horses from the Burthong station, near Young. August 27.-Robbed two stores at Junee. September 17.-Robbed the mail from Cowra to Bathurst, also a passenger of some money.

(SMH 20 May 1865)