Correspondence with the Colonial Secretary's Office

Head Quarters N. M. Police Rockhampton 1st Dec'r 1861

Sir

I have the honor to report to you my proceedings in Command of the Detachment of Native Police, from the time of the death of Lieutenant Phibbs.

On the 26th Sept'r at Lieutenant Phibbs' funeral, Mr Jardine called me aside, and told me that he should take Command of the Detachment. I answered that I could not attend to his demand at such a time, and for the satisfaction of both parties all communications had better be in writing. - On the 27th the day after the funeral I received a letter from him, desiring me to consider myself and my Detachment under his orders.

In my reply I stated that I considered myself responsible to the Commandant alone for the conduct of the Detachment. On the 1st October I received another communication from Mr Jardine demanding information why some of the Troopers were at Grace-mere at 2 o'Clock in the morning, armed, and without an Officer. I at once

To the Commandant Native Police Rockhampton

Rockhampton Sept'r 26th 1861. -

Sir,

The melancholy loss of Lieutenant Phibbs which has deprived the Detachment of the Native Police Force stationed here of its Commanding Officer, makes it my duty to desire that you will consider yourself with your Detachment under my orders till [sic] such time as an Officer of the Force shall arrive to take Command. -

You will clearly understand that I have no wish to interfere in any way with the disipline [sic] or general duties of the Force, these of course will be carried on as usual.

I merely desire that should any circumstances occur extra the usual routine of duties demanding attention you will communicate with me before taking action.

I think it would be well for you, being so young in the Service, to consult Sergeant Allan, who I believe to be a trustworthy man, and who thoroughly understands his duties, on all subjects connected with the disipline [sic] or duties of the Detachment to which you are attached.

I have the honor to be Sir, Your obedient Servant

(Signed) John Jardine P.M.

Ralph Johnson Esq. Cadet Native Police Force Rockhampton

[centred] No. 2

Gracemere October 1st 1861. -

Sir

I do myself the honor to request you will inform me why the Troopers of your Detach-ment were at Gracemere armed and without an Officer this morning about 2 o'Clock

I have the honor to be Sir, Your obedient Servant Signed John Jardine P.M.

Ralf Johnson [sic] Esq. Cadet N.P.F. Rockhampton