Correspondence with the Colonial Secretary's Office

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

[centred] No. 3 Instructions for Mr Cadet Johnson

Mr Johnson, with Sergeant Graham will proceed tomorrow morning to Lieutenant Genatas' Camp on Peak Downs, - taking with him eight horses besides those ridden and 200 rounds of ball cartridge to be delivered to Lieutenant Genatas.

Mr Johnson will use such speed as will not injure the condition of the horses or disable them from immediate Service on reaching Peak Downs.

On arrival at Camp Mr Johnson will be under the orders of Lieutenant Genatas.

(Signed) John Jardine P.M.

Rockhampton October 23rd 1861. -

[upper left corner] No 4

Rockhampton October 22nd 1861. -

Sir,

I request you will meet me at the Police Camp tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. -

I am Sir Yours faithfully

(signed) John Jardine P.M.

R. Johnson Esqr Police Camp.

[upper left corner] No. 5

Rockhampton October 23rd 1861. -

Sir

You will please to have shod and ready to start with Mr McDonald's party for Wills's assistance five (5) horses with 2 riding saddles 3 pack saddles complete and arms and accoutrements with 60 rounds of ball cartridge for two Blacks (Mr Wisemans) [sic] who are to accompany Mr McDonalds [sic] party

I am Sir,

Your obed't Servant (Signed) John Jardine P.M.

Sergeant Allan [sic] Native Police Camp. -

[upper left corner] No. 6

--- Order ---

Sergeant Allan [sic] will without loss of time attend at the Court House Rockhampton prepared to give all information as to available horses &c of the Rockhampton Detachment

(Signed) John Jardine P.M.

October 23rd 1861. -

[upper left corner] No. 7

Rockhampton October 23 1861. -

Sir,

You will be pleased to send the Reports or Depositions of the murder case of Mr Wills's party which I understand arrived at your Camp last night, to the Court House by Sergeant Allan [sic] without delay.

I am Sir,

Your Obe't Servant (Signed) John Jardine P.M.

Mr Cadet Johnson Police Camp. - }