1842 THE PUBLIC EXECUTIONS AT MELBOURNE

Softcover. The full story of the capture, trial and hanging of Bushrangers and Aborigines as disclosed in official documents never before published. The story of the circumstances surrounding the first public executions in Melbourne in 1842 has never before been so fully told. Here are the official documents that supply the many missing pieces. They describe the crimes, the excitement of the chase, the moment of capture, and the trials of six men who were destined to swing from the Port Phillip gallows. The documents provide fascinating insights into the lives and attitudes of people like : Mr Justice Willis: believed to be the only judge in British legal history to be twice removed from Office. John Davies: Port Phillip's bungling executioner. Berated by an angry crowd in January 1842, all he could manage in reply was a ghastly smile. Redmond Barry: The first Standing Counsel for the Aborigines. Nearly 40 years later, as Victoria's acting Chief Justice, he sentenced Ned Kelly to death. Trugonini: Later described as the 'Last of the Tasmanians', she stood at the bar in Melbourne in 1841, charged with being an accessory to murder. Daniel Jepps: The Bushranger who nonchalantly lit his pipe with stolen banknotes after his capture. These are just some of the larger than life characters that abounded in Port Phillip at the time. The book also presents the evidence that might have cleared the Aborigine called Roger at his trial - and details the chaos at the capture of the Bushrangers, a gun battle that eclipses many of the stories of America's Old West. Profusely Illus., Sources + Index. 101pp. 8vo. softcover. From the library of true crime writer, Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate. Nr. F. with no creasing to covers.