“The news of the murderers’ doings was brought post haste to Melbourne, and I and my troop were ordered to start immediately for the bush, and secure them, dead or alive.  Extraordinary powers were granted me by the government.  I could take horses or cattle, or even press men into my service, if I thought desirable, for the purpose of capturing the bushrangers.  Hardly a moment of preparation was allowed me, beyond the choice of twelve men, whom I knew I could rely upon; and even while I was conversing with the superintendent, another messenger arrived with the news of fresh butcheries, more bloody and brutal than the last.

“At eight on the evening of the day that I was ordered to take my departure, my troop was leaving Melbourne on the road leading towards Ballarat, in which direction I learned the convicts were travelling.

“At two o’clock we halted at a cattle station; and while some of our men changed saddles from our tired horses to fresh ones, the remainder cooked a kettle of coffee, and broiled a piece of beef, to stay our stomachs during our long ride.  From the stockman we obtained some information, as the bushrangers had visited his cattle station two days before, selected what animals they wished, and then shot the companion of the man we were conversing with.

“At seven o’clock we again halted at a cattle station, but for ten minutes we could not find a soul to answer our questions.  We searched the hut and an adjoining piece of woods, in hope of finding somebody who would give us a little information.  As time was precious, however, I was on the point of borrowing what animals I wanted, when two of my men brought in a native, half dead with fear.  He had been found secreted under some brush in the woods, and all our persuasions could hardly convince him that his life was not in danger.

“After an immense amount of questioning, I learned that the two murderers had visited the cattle station the day before, had shot the keeper, and would have killed the native had he not fled to the woods for protection.  After the deed, they ransacked the hut thoroughly, possessed themselves of a quantity of rum which they found, renewed their supply of ammunition, mounted fresh horses, and were off in the direction of Ballarat at full gallop, according to the account of the native.

“It only remained for us to follow as fast as possible.  In twelve hours we had travelled a distance of one hundred miles; and although we felt the want of rest, yet I knew that time was too precious to waste in sleep.  A hasty breakfast, and we were off; but before we had rode twelve miles our attention was attracted near the roadside by seeing a flock of birds hovering in the air and uttering shrill cries.  I endeavored to get my horse to approach the place, but with starting eyes and every indication of terror, he refused to move.

“I dismounted, and entered the hushes, and found my suspicions confirmed.  Two men were lying dead on the ground, both with bullet holes through their heads.  I made a short examination, and satisfied myself that the murders were committed the day before, and that the bodies were dragged amongst the bushes, after being robbed of every thing valuable about their persons.